FOXBOROUGH – The Patriots have won 10 straight games. At 11-2, they have the best record in football as they head into a bye week.
And, coming off back-to-back four-win seasons, there’s a strong case to be made for Mike Vrabel earning the NFL’s Coach of the Year honors.
Following Monday Night’s 33-15 win over the New York Giants, Patriots quarterback Drake Maye said Vrabel deserves to get the award.
“He’s got my vote and he’s got a lot of people’s vote,” Maye said. “He’s got everybody’s vote in this organization and in that locker room and I’m sure across the league.”
Vrabel will have competition for the award from Denver’s Sean Payton, who has led the Denver Broncos to a 12-2 mark. The Broncos, however, were a playoff team last year.
Chicago coach Ben Johnson, who has the Bears at 9-3 atop the NFC North, is another strong contender. As of last week, Johnson was the odds on favorite with Vrabel not too far behind.
Jacksonville’s Liam Coen, and Indianapolis’ Shane Steichen, whose teams are 8-4, are also in the mix, along with Seattle’ Mike Macdonald, the L.A. Rams Sean McVay and Carolina’s Dave Canales.
