Linebacker Vrabel outshines star pass-catchers

AFTER all the star pass-catchers who graced Monday Night Football for 35 years, the final memorable receiving performance was left to a linebacker.

New England’s Mike Vrabel has made a habit of finding the end zone as a temporary tight end, and he did it twice in lifting the Patriots past the New York Jets 31-21. It was quite a headline-grabber for ABC, with Vrabel providing a unique touch to a game with little distinction other than its standing as the network’s finale.

“One touchdown’s awesome, but two,” he said, shaking his head.