Bill Simmons, host of "The Bill Simmons Podcast," did not hold back his criticism of New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel following the team's 45-27 loss to the Green Bay Packers on Sunday. Simmons labeled the performance as "the worst coached game" since Vrabel joined the Patriots.
"Listen, he saved the team last year," Simmons said, as reported by The New York Post. "He instilled this new culture. He rejuvenated a few guys on the team. He made them a playoff team against a fairly easy schedule. He had a couple good coaching moments this year, like the Buffalo game was really good. He was f–king terrible today."
Simmons questioned Vrabel's defensive strategy, particularly against the Packers' receiving corps. "The Packers had two receivers and no running game. I watched [Bill] Belichick coach for two decades, and the number one thing with Belichick was, whatever they’re the best at, try to take it away…this team comes in with two receivers. How do the two receivers then beat us when they can’t do anything else?"
The Patriots' defense struggled to contain Packers receivers Christian Watson and Matthew Golden, who both surpassed 100 receiving yards and scored a touchdown in the game.
Following the game, Vrabel acknowledged the team's poor performance. "We got our asses kicked," Vrabel admitted. "That’s what happened tonight. I give them credit, and also know that we can play, and have to play, much better."
Patriots quarterback Drake Maye also took some responsibility. "Starting with me, man, it’s one of the biggest differences when we went in and losing football games," Maye said. "Our defense in a bad spot in the first drive, and just gave them the football and had some other chances down the field and got to see in front. I got to see in front, you know, I feel like I was just a little late sometimes."
The Patriots are scheduled to face the Lions in Munich next Sunday.