Vrabel's FBI file full of information

By Rich Thompson

Tuesday, August 9, 2005

FOXBORO – A football player doesn't necessarily need a high IQ if he possesses a substantial quotient of FBI.

In the NFL, the acronym FBI does not refer to the investigative branch of the federal government. Instead, FBI is short for football intelligence.

Patriots outside linebacker Mike Vrabel has consistently demonstrated an inherent knowledge on how the game should be played at the highest level. His FBI level is high.

"I think Mike's football intelligence is excellent," Patriots coach Bill Belichick said prior to yesterday's afternoon practice session at Gillette Stadium. "Mike is a smart person period. He's a very smart football player and he understands everything pretty much conceptually that he would want to do. Not just what his assignment is, but what the overall purpose of the defense is. What the strengths are, what the weaknesses are and why you would want to be in one defense as opposed to another when you have multiple calls."

Vrabel, a 6-foot-4, 261-pounder, recorded a career-high 76 tackles last season and was second on the team with 5 1/2 sacks. He has also been used by the Patriots on offense in goal line situations and has three receptions – all for touchdowns. In fact, Vrabel caught a touchdown passes from Tom Brady in each of the last two Super Bowls.