{
  "id": 11408156,
  "title": "Stephen A. Smith drops Dianni Russini dig at Mike Vrabel amid Patriots struggles",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/02/stephen-a-smith-drops-dianni-russini-dig-at-mike-vrabel-amid-patriots",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-02T09:35:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/stephen-smith-drops-dianni-russini-093500831.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The New England Patriots have had a difficult start to the 2026 season, currently sitting at a 1-3 record after facing the Buffalo Bills in Week Four. The team is at risk of falling behind the red-hot Josh Allen, who has had an impressive season so far. Last season, the Patriots made it to the Super Bowl, so their regression this year is clear to see. One of the factors being raised in discussions about the team's struggles is Mike Vrabel's off-field issues during the offseason. Stephen A. Smith, a commentator, pointed out that Vrabel's distractions during the offseason may have affected his performance as a coach. Drake Maye, the Patriots' quarterback, has struggled early on, throwing only one touchdown and six interceptions in the first three weeks. Vrabel's distractions may have compromised his ability to keep the team on track, impacting the quarterback's performance and contributing to the underwhelming start.",
  "summary": "The New England Patriots’ difficult start to the season comes following a turbulent offseason for Mike Vrabel away from the field, with some starting to blame those distractions for the issues being experienced in Foxborough. Heading into their Week Four game against the Buffalo Bills, the Patriots are at risk of falling to a 1-3 record against the red-hot Josh Allen.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "Patriots takeaways: Mike Vrabel denies rift with Drake Maye after WEEI report",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/01/patriots-takeaways-mike-vrabel-denies-rift-with-drake-maye-after-weei",
        "published": "2026-10-01T18:23:16.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}