Those outside the confines of Gillette Stadium already are asking for on-field changes after three games, but Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel has made it clear he will stand by his players.

Former Patriots executive Scott Pioli believes it will go a long way in building trust.

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"What he's doing right now is he's protecting his football team," Pioli said on Patriots Postgame Live on Sunday afternoon after New England's 21-14 loss to the Steelers.

Vrabel did so when he lauded Andy Borregales and ultimately awarded the rookie kicker a game ball after the team's Week 2 win against the Miami Dolphins. Borregales, who missed a pair of extra points in South Beach, rebounded with what proved to be a game-winning field go

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