This out-of-nowhere Patriots coaching rumor could actually be gaining steam

"The physical nature of the Patriots' 33-15 win inside a rocking Gillette Stadium was impossible to ignore. The monster hits delivered by guys like Christian Elliss and Jaylinn Hawkins throughout the game were one thing, but Vrabel also noticeably had his offense open with a steady dose of Rhamondre Stevenson, with the 227-pound back repeatedly seeking out contact as he finished his runs."

"A banged-up offensive line that kept Maye mostly spotless against one of the top defensive fronts in football. According to Nex Gen Stats, New England allowed a pressure rate of 25 percent - the second-lowest mark of Maye's career. The bulk of the credit goes to guys like Vederian Lowe and Ben Brown, who filled in brilliantly for injured starters Will Campbell and Jared Wilson. Offensive line coach Doug Marrone deserves his flowers as well."

"But the man scheming everything up behind the scenes, from the protections to the route concepts, is offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. The twice-failed NFL head coach hasn't officially been linked to a tanking team, like the Giants, but he's certainly picking up some steam as Maye and the Patriots' offense continue to dominate. The Patriots' dreams of a sustained run with Josh McDaniels and Drake Maye might already be crumbling Unless you're Marty Schottenheimer, candidates don't tend to get a third chance"

Mike Vrabel leaned into a post-Thanksgiving, physical mindset and the Patriots imposed their will during a 33-15 win over the New York Giants. The defense produced heavy hits while the offense repeatedly featured 227-pound Rhamondre Stevenson seeking contact. Drake Maye delivered another high-level performance while a banged-up offensive line limited pressures to a 25 percent rate, the second-lowest of his career per Nex Gen Stats. Vederian Lowe, Ben Brown and offensive line coach Doug Marrone stabilized the front. Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels continued to design protections and route concepts amid questions about long-term continuity.

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