Expectations were high in large part because of Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel.

It’s still early, of course. The Patriots are just three games into a 17-game season. Those who expressed the preseason belief that Vrabel would help New England reach double-digit wins likely won’t give in yet. The reality, however, is these Patriots don’t look all that different than they have in recent seasons.

It’s a more entertaining product with Vrabel’s new additions on defense and second-year quarterback Drake Maye making strides. But the 1-2 Patriots continue to suffer maddening losses as a result of self-inflicted miscues including turnovers and penalties.

Vrabel set out with hopes of turning New England into a team that takes advantage of bad football. Through three weeks, the Pats have been the ones playing that brand. (Again, still early).

But how would you grade the first-year Patriots coach after three weeks? Our Patriots Postgame Live crew handed out marks after New England’s 21-14 loss to the Steelers on Sunday.

Tom E. Curran: B+

“The team is appreciably better on the offensive line, tight end, wide receiver. They are appreciably better at quarterback. They’re appreciably better all over the place,” Curran said. “But the players are still playing stupid. Now, you can land that — and I say stupid, it’s fixable, they’re making stupid plays. They’re not stupid.

“But they’re doing stupid things because they still think they’re a bad team. So they’re still ingrained in doing dumb things, but they’re actually better than they think. … They’re a better team than you think, and they have coaching. McDaniels, Vrabel, Terrell Williams, the changes defensively by Zack Kuhr. I think the coaching has been good. The players just have to stop playing like they’re not good.”

Ted Johnson: C+

“I’m going to give them a high marks for the offseason, to be honest with you. I thought the free-agent period, the draft, the coaching staff he assembled, the energy he brought just before the season started was A+. So, he goes to a C+ based on what I’ve seen the last two weeks,” Johnson said.

“I get a little bit concerned guys, I’m not gonna lie: Mike is a little bit cavalier with the penalty questions. He questions some of the calls, which I understand. I mean, that Carlton Davis one you could make an argument that was not a very good call. But I think that goes both ways. So for him to kind of be dismissive of that has me a little bit worried. But overall, I’m giving the C+. Drake Maye had his best game of his career last week. I’m seeing signs of life for this team I haven’t seen in a long time. So that would be my final grade.”

Phil Perry: C

“I have seen improvement in some areas,” Perry said. “But when you’re talking penalties, when you’re talking turnovers that, to me, is not a football team that’s buttoned up. And that does come down to coaching.”