Mike Vrabel Calls Out 'Dog S--t' Patriots Defense After Taking Timeout in 1st Half vs. Eagles

New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel was unhappy with his team's defensive performance in the first half of a Saturday preseason matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles.

"I saw dog s--t defense and I wanted to talk to them," Vrabel said when asked Saturday night why he called a first-half timeout (h/t Matt Dolloff).

The Patriots did not play starters Saturday against the Eagles, a decision Vrabel told reporters was because he didn't "think we have a very deep team."

Behren Morton ultimately led the Patriots on a late touchdown drive to secure a 24-21 preseason victory.

Vrabel called a timeout in the second quarter after Eagles running back Will Shipley ran nine yards up the middle on a first down.

Shipley went on to run in the first touchdown of the game later in the drive.

The Patriots had more success limiting the Eagles' offense in a second half highlighted by linebacker Namdi Obiazor, who broke up a potential touchdown pass on an Eagles fourth down.

Morton then put the Patriots ahead with his late touchdown drive before the defense sealed the victory with a strip sack.

Vrabel didn't commit after the 24-21 win to playing any starters in Thursday's preseason finale against the Cleveland Browns.

"I think we have to make sure that we're preparing our football team and that we're doing everything that we can to keep our best players available," Vrabel said.

The Patriots are set to wrap up the preseason Thursday before opening the regular season Sept. 9 at the Seattle Seahawks