Patriots Coach Vrabel Criticized for 'Big Mistake' in Super Bowl LX Loss

Pro Football Talk's Michael David Smith says Vrabel's decision to kick an extra point rather than go for two points was a questionable call.

Feb. 12, 2026 at 10:15am

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New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel has faced criticism this week for some of his decisions during the team's 29-13 loss to the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl LX. Specifically, Pro Football Talk's Michael David Smith called Vrabel's choice to kick an extra point after the Patriots' first touchdown in the fourth quarter a 'big mistake', arguing that going for two points could have trimmed the deficit to 11 and kept New England in the game.

Why it matters

Vrabel's decision-making in the Super Bowl loss has come under scrutiny, as the Patriots were dominated throughout the game. While the extra point decision ultimately didn't impact the final outcome, it was a questionable call at the time that could have potentially kept the Patriots in striking distance.

The details

With the Patriots trailing 19-6 in the fourth quarter, they scored their first touchdown of the game. Rather than go for a two-point conversion to make it a 11-point game, Vrabel opted to kick the extra point. As noted by NBC's Mike Tirico during the broadcast, a successful two-point conversion would have trimmed the deficit to 11 points, meaning another touchdown, two-point conversion, and field goal could have sent the game to overtime. Instead, the 12-point margin meant the Patriots still needed to score two more touchdowns to take the lead.

  • The Patriots scored their first touchdown in the fourth quarter to make the score 19-6.

The players

Mike Vrabel

The head coach of the New England Patriots, who has been criticized for his decision-making in the Super Bowl LX loss.

Drake Maye

The Patriots' starting quarterback in Super Bowl LX.

Will Campbell

The Patriots' rookie left tackle, who was one of the biggest reasons the team lost Super Bowl LX according to the report.

Michael David Smith

A writer for Pro Football Talk who criticized Vrabel's decision to kick the extra point rather than go for two points.

Mike Tirico

The NBC broadcaster who noted during the Super Bowl broadcast that a successful two-point conversion could have kept the Patriots in striking distance.

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What they’re saying

“When a team gets dominated the way the Patriots did in Super Bowl LX, no single decision makes the difference. But one particularly bad decision by Patriots coach Mike Vrabel deserves scrutiny.”

— Michael David Smith, Writer, Pro Football Talk

“Vrabel, the NFL's 2025 Coach of the Year, has not been asked about his decision to kick the extra point. It's a decision that's hard to explain.”

— Michael David Smith, Writer, Pro Football Talk

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.