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Patriots Head Coach Mike Vrabel Had Words For Stefon Diggs, Others on Monday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Elie Deglaoui | Last updated Oct 20, 2025 3:42 PM ET

This past offseason may have marked a turning point for the New England Patriots.

The team opted to move on from head coach Jerod Mayo after a 4-13 season in favor of 2021 AP Coach of the Year, Mike Vrabel. Furthermore, the Patriots made some notable offseason additions, including signing two-time All-Pro wide receiver Stefon Diggs to a three-year, $63.5 million contract.

So far, things are working out exactly as planned, if not even better.

With a 5-2 record to begin the 2025 NFL season, New England sits atop the AFC East standings, a division it has not won since 2019 with quarterback Tom Brady leading the way.

A big reason for the Patriots' success is the emergence of second-year quarterback Drake Maye (who has thrown for 1,744 yards, 12 touchdowns and two interceptions on 75.2% completion percentage through seven games), as well as their receiving group, led by Diggs.

The Patriots' production at the position has caught the attention of many, including Vrabel, who sent a message to Diggs and the rest of the wide receivers following the team's 31-13 victory against the Tennessee Titans.

“That group just continues to grow. I think that Stef's been a great leader. I think Mack [Hollins]'s been a great leader. I think Kayshon [Boutte] has taken it upon himself to compete and improve and get better through training camp and that's paid off on the season," Vrabel said on Monday. "The understanding that they all have with route detail, route craft, how to work with the quarterback… their effort when they don’t have the football has been much improved.”

Mike Vrabel on the #Patriots’ WR group:

“That group just continues to grow… The understanding that they all have with route detail, route craft, how to work with the quarterback… their effort when they don’t have the football — has been much improved.”

( @TheGregHillShow) pic.twitter.com/PWUI4bCVTi
— Carlos A. Lopez (@LosTalksPats) October 20, 2025

The Patriots Have Turned Their Receiver Luck Around This Season

For years, New England's wide receivers have been considered one of its biggest weaknesses. The team has not had a Pro Bowler at the position since Julian Edelman in 2014 or an All-Pro selection since Wes Welker in 2009.

Additionally, the Patriots have missed on many of their draft picks at wide receiver in recent years, which has only made things worse for the team.

Ja'Lynn Polk and Javon Baker, who New England drafted in the second and fourth round in 2024, respectively, are both off the team after one season. Furthermore, Tyquan Thornton (drafted in the second round in 2022) and N'Keal Harry (drafted in the first round in 2019), were both underwhelming during their stints with the Patriots before the team ultimately moved on from them.

This season, however, looks to be a different story for the Patriots and their wide receivers.

Not only is Diggs (39 receptions and 456 yards through seven games) having a bit of a bounceback season following a season-ending ACL injury last season, but New England is also getting fantastic play out of Kayshon Boutte (20 receptions, 356 yards and a team-high four touchdown receptions). The Patriots are also getting solid contributions out of receivers Pop Douglas and Mack Hollins as well.

Ahead of New England's win against the Titans, offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels revealed exactly what he likes about the team's receiving corps as they look to carry their momentum the rest of the way.

“There’s a lot, starting with the attitude and the way they work. Very unselfish … these guys have really embraced whatever their role is," McDaniels said.

Josh McDaniels on what he’s liked from the #Patriots WR room through six weeks:

“There’s a lot, starting with the attitude and the way they work. Very unselfish … these guys have really embraced whatever their role is.” pic.twitter.com/Jf2TjZ1R3V
— Mike Kadlick (@mikekadlick) October 16, 2025

Things are looking bright in New England as it looks to take the division for the first time since the Brady days. However, in order for the team to achieve this, the receivers need to continue playing at a high level. If they can, then the sky is the limit for the Patriots in a wide-open AFC.

The Patriots will look to ride this momentum when they host the 2-5 Cleveland Browns on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET on FOX.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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