FOXBOROUGH - While Mike Vrabel has done his best to downplay his upcoming return to Tennessee, it’s certainly possible his players will want to beat the Titans for him.

The Patriots coach, who was fired by the Titans in 2023, was asked if that might be the case, and how important it was to keep the players from getting too fired up on his behalf.

“We’re not trying to win one for the Gipper here,” Vrabel said, referencing a famous catchphrase that originated from Notre Dame football coach Knute Rockne, who reportedly told his players to win one for their dying teammate, George “The Gipper” Gip. “We’re just trying to make sure these guys are focused on improving.

“I think they’re locked in. Hopefully we can get them to prepare the best we possibly can between now and Sunday.”

The Patr

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