NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Mike Vrabel greeted his New England Patriots with a celebratory hug just as he did with the Tennessee Titans not far away in Nissan Stadium and not too long ago.

That's why his Patriots knew just how much winning Sunday meant to Vrabel even if the coach tried to keep the attention on his current team.

Drake Maye threw for 222 yards and two touchdowns and the Patriots beat the Tennessee Titans 31-13 Sunday in Vrabel's first game against the franchise that fired him in January 2024.

“He downplayed it all week, which we appreciate," Maye said. "I think he’s focused on us and worried about us, and that’s what matters. But I know that it feels good for him.”

Fans chanted “Vrabel, Vrabel” as the clock ticked down. One Titans' fan held up a sign apologizing to Vrabel.

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