But McDaniels overhauled the Patriots’ offense to better suit a mobile QB in Cam Newton, with New England finishing fourth in the league in rushing yards (2,346) and third in rushing attempts (502).

The former Volunteer, who earned 2023 Orange Bowl MVP honors in a 31-14 drubbing of Clemson, proceeded to complete 76 percent of his passes for 241 yards and a touchdown.

But Vrabel, a fan favorite during eight seasons as a player in New England where he was a member of its first three Super Bowl winners and an inductee into the team’s Hall of Fame in 2023, was ...