{
  "id": 11238837,
  "title": "Stephen A. Smith Blames 'Distracted' Mike Vrabel for Patriots' Slow Start",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/01/stephen-a-smith-blames-distracted-mike-vrabel-for-patriots-slow-start",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-01T16:59:07.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/stephen-smith-blames-distracted-mike-165907341.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith blamed New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel for the team's sluggish start to the 2026 NFL season. Smith suggested Vrabel's personal distractions during the offseason have impacted his performance as a coach. Vrabel faced controversy after photos of him with reporter Dianna Russini were leaked, leading to private discussions with his family and counseling. Smith questioned whether Vrabel's lack of focus and attention to detail has affected his coaching abilities, particularly in relation to quarterback Drake Maye's underwhelming performance. Maye has thrown one touchdown and seven interceptions in the Patriots' first three games. Vrabel and Maye have opportunities to turn things around in their upcoming matchup against the Buffalo Bills.",
  "summary": "ESPN's most prominent host thinks he knows the biggest reason for the Patriots' sluggish start to the season.",
  "key_points": [
    "Stephen A. Smith blames Mike Vrabel for Patriots' slow start",
    "Vrabel's personal distractions affected coaching performance",
    "Drake Maye's poor performance in first three games"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}