Mike Vrabel not considering kicker change, has ‘full confidence’ in Andy Borregales

FOXBORO — Mike Vrabel isn’t ready to bail on Andy Borregales.

The Patriots head coach backed his rookie kicker Monday, saying he has “full confidence” in Borregales despite his three missed kicks (one field goal, two extra points) over New England’s first two games.

Borregales rebounded from his two missed PATs in Sunday’s 33-27 win over Miami by drilling a clutch 53-yard field goal with 1:47 remaining. Vrabel awarded him a game ball in the locker room.

“I don’t think we’re ready to have that conversation yet (about changing kickers),” Vrabel said. “He’s made every kick in the fourth quarter. He’s made meaningful kicks. That’s where I’m at. I wouldn’t have gone out there with Andy (on the 53-yarder), and it wasn’t like I debated it long. He knows he has a job to do, and we have full confidence in him to do his job.”

A sixth-round draft pick out of Miami, Borregales beat out journeyman Parker Romo for a roster spot in training camp despite missing two of his five preseason field-goal attempts. Two games into the regular season, Borregales is 4-for-5 on field goals and 2-for-4 on extra points, and his botched kickoff late in Sunday’s game gave the Dolphins possession at the 40-yard line, setting up a last-minute comeback bid that fell short.

Meanwhile, Romo, who landed on Atlanta’s practice squad following his release from the Patriots, delivered the best performance of his career Sunday night, going 5-for-5 on field-goal tries as the Falcons beat the Vikings 22-6.

“I’m happy for Parker,” Vrabel said. I’m happy for Parker. That’s how it goes. He went down there, took advantage of his opportunities. I enjoyed my time with him here, so I’m happy that he went down there and helped himself.”

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