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How Mike Vrabel galvanized Patriots to top of AFC in a year

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Roughly 11 months ago, after a second straight season in which the New England Patriots were one of the NFL's worst teams, owner Robert Kraft touted what he believed would spark a turnaround.

On the day Kraft introduced Mike Vrabel, 50, as the 16th head coach in franchise history, Kraft complimented his playing and coaching experience and shared how Vrabel detailed to him a "clear and focused strategy to get us back to a championship way."

Kraft didn't mention a timeline that day. Nor did Vrabel.

All the former NFL linebacker promised was to deliver a shot of energy.