Mike Vrabel says Patriots' loss to Packers won't change trade-deadline plans, challenges players to improve 'preparation'

A report from ahead of the weekend suggested that the New England Patriots "are limited financially" and, thus, may not be able to make a big move before the NFL trade deadline arrives at 4:00 p.m. ET this Tuesday. 

However, that was said before the Patriots suffered a 45-27 blowout loss to the Green Bay Packers at New England's Gillette Stadium that dropped the AFC East club to 5-4 on Sunday. During a Monday morning appearance on local sports radio station WEEI, Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel was asked whether his team's latest loss could impact how the club will approach the trade deadline. 

Mike Vrabel wants players who share his "mindset"

"No," Vrabel responded, per Justin Turpin of Audacy. "No. We want a bunch of guys that want to be here. That want to make it hard on each other. In preparation, push each other, challenge each other, improve, take accountability, and if that’s not them, then let us know by tomorrow. That’s what we have to do. That’s the mindset."

On paper, the Patriots presumably could use a running back with TreVeyon Henderson sidelined following "an unexpected and unusual medical emergency." That said, Mike Reiss of ESPN shared that the Patriots may only target a "modest" move for "depth" before the trade deadline and before New England leaves for its Week 10 matchup versus the 6-2 Detroit Lions in Munich, Germany.

"They are also scheduled to depart for Munich on Wednesday in advance of next Sunday's game against the Detroit Lions, which adds a wrinkle to onboarding any potential acquisition by Tuesday's deadline," Reiss added about the Patriots. 

Mike Vrabel hints Patriots weren't "ready to go" vs. Packers

On Sunday, the Patriots fell into a 17-0 hole before they scored their first touchdown of the afternoon. New England never really came all that close to even tying the game, as the Packers held a 42-14 advantage during the contest's third quarter. 

"I think what the issue is is just the preparation and making sure that we’re ready to go," Vrabel said when asked on Monday about the Patriots' practice habits. "I have to do a great job of reinforcing that and getting that message home. We’re halfway through the season. There are only so many reps that you could take. There are only so many bodies that we have. Some guys are working hard to get to the game. It’s not like on Wednesday that they’re ready to go and that they’re 100%. We have a lot of guys who are fighting to make it to the game. And in saying that, how do you continue to find ways to improve? How do you find ways to prepare at less than 100%? That’s the reality of the National Football League. It’s what every team goes through. We’re not indifferent to that. But then, ultimately, you have to come out and perform."

Vrabel will attempt to do a better job of having his players ready for action ahead of the game versus the Lions. As of Monday morning, DraftKings Sportsbook had the Patriots as three-point underdogs for that contest.