{
  "id": 3031314,
  "title": "Mike Vrabel explains his comments about lack of depth on roster",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/24/mike-vrabel-explains-his-comments-about-lack-of-depth-on-roster",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-24T13:39:04.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/mike-vrabel-explains-comments-lack-133904451.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In a Monday interview with WEEI's The Greg Hill Show, Patriots coach Mike Vrabel clarified his comments from a Week 2 preseason game. He stated that he hadn't played key starters because \"we do not have a very deep team.\" Vrabel emphasized that the issue was about finding young players to develop, serving as backups, and filling various positions crucial to the team's success. He clarified that his remarks weren't aimed at the front office, but rather about the need to develop talent to address the team's depth concerns. Vrabel also discussed the importance of drafting well, developing late-round picks, and finding edge players who can adapt to the 3-4 defense. He acknowledged that the team's construction has been impacted by inheriting a talent-limited roster following the Belichick era. Vrabel's sensitivity to depth issues might be indicative of the negotiations surrounding cornerback Christian Gonzalez, who is seeking a substantial contract. The Patriots might argue that excessive spending on star players could limit their ability to acquire quality backups, who are typically paid under the rookie salary cap.",
  "summary": "After New England's Week 2 preseason game, Patriots coach Mike Vrabel explained that he hasn't been playing key starters in the preseason because \"I do not think we have a very deep team.\"",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "Patriots News: Preseason spotlights Vrabel’s fight to the depth",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/24/patriots-news-preseason-spotlights-vrabels-fight-to-the-depth",
        "published": "2026-08-24T14:19:11.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}