EAGAN, Minn. — Jaylinn Hawkins admitted the Patriots had a rough joint practice Thursday.

Related Articles

The defense allowed several touchdowns to the Vikings, almost a dozen consecutive completions and generated minimal pressure. After practice, Hawkins walked off the field and into a Mike Vrabel-led team huddle. He believed again.

Vrabel’s messaging, Hawkins said, has resonated with him throughout the summer as the Patriots try once more to overhaul their culture. It’s been a simple message lately, coming off a strong week of practices and a preseason blowout of the Commanders: it’s not good enough. Keep going.

“We’ve never arrived. So, live by that,” Hawkins said. “You know, we consistently want to climb that ladder and get wins.”

Vrabel’s message landed Thursday, when the Patrio

See Full Page