FOXBORO — Robert Spillane spent his rookie season playing under Mike Vrabel in Tennessee. Seven years later, he’s thrilled to reunite with the head coach in New England — and play a key role in the Patriots’ new-look defense.
Speaking Wednesday after the Patriots’ first training camp practice, the veteran linebacker said the vibe around the team is “at an all-time high” entering Vrabel’s first season.
“I’ve never been more excited going into a year with a group of guys,” said Spillane, who played stints with the Titans, Steelers and Raiders before signing a three-year, $33 million contract with the Patriots in March. “We had a great offseason, but that doesn’t promise you anything. We’ve got to come in here and work every day, and that’s what we started today.”
Spillane projects as the starting middle linebacker in the Patriots’ defense, which is being overseen by Vrabel and new defensive coordinator Terrell Williams. He’s one of several notable veterans the team added on that side of the ball this offseason, along with players like defensive tackle Milton Williams, cornerback Carlton Davis and safety Marcus Epps.
Returning contributors include cornerbacks Christian Gonzalez and Marcus Jones, safeties Jabrill Peppers and Kyle Dugger, linebacker Jahlani Tavai and Christian Elliss, defensive end Keion White and D-tackle Christian Barmore, who missed most of last season with blood clots.
Last year’s Patriots defense struggled situationally (tied for 26th on third down, tied for 25th in the red zone, 28th in goal-to-go) and lacked playmaking ability (28th in interception rate, dead last in sack rate). They’re hoping for much better results from this retooled group.
“We’ve got a lot of leaders on this defense, a lot of experience, a lot of people that understand scheme,” Spillane said. “It might not be this particular scheme, but they understand NFL scheme. Christian Elliss and Jahlani Tavai next to me have played lots of games in this league and are also experienced communicators, and then our guys up front are just dogs. We just want them to go eat.”
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