Patriots' Mike Vrabel on Fight Involvement, 'Just Want Them to Know I Got Their Back'

New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel got a gash on his left cheek trying to break up a scrum during a Pats vs. Washington Commanders joint practice on Wednesday.

One day later, The Athletic's Dianna Russini, who witnessed the scene firsthand, recounted the event on the Scoop City podcast and relayed an exclusive comment from Vrabel that could very well symbolize this new Pats era.

"I just want them to know I got their back," Vrabel told Russini.

Vrabel, of course, is well-versed in the physicality of pro football, having played linebacker in the NFL from 1997-2010 (including 2001-2008 for the Patriots).

Vrabel won three Super Bowls with the Patriots, and now he's trying to bring the Lombardi Trophy back as a head coach.

It's clear Vrabel is trying to implement a new culture in town in his first year as New England's head coach.

Vrabel oversaw a tough and physical Tennessee Titans team with a strong run game while he was in Nashville from 2018-2023, leading the squad to three playoff appearances.

New England has just endured back-to-back 4-13 seasons, and it's clear players are buying Vrabel and a fresh start. Patriots raved about Vrabel getting in the mix Wednesday.

Vrabel's had a lot of fight in him from day one, apparently, as evidenced by a story he told earlier in training camp regarding his time as a rookie on the 1997 Pittsburgh Steelers.

New England needs that energy and physicality as it looks to bounce back. The Patriots made a host of important offseason additions, including numerous free agency splashes on the defensive side, to hopefully stem the losing tide.

The Pats open the regular season on Sept. 7 at home against the Las Vegas Raiders, but they have three preseason dates before then, starting with the visiting Commanders on Friday.