Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel spoke to reporters on December 29, 2025, following the team’s recent clinching of the AFC East title. Vrabel described the atmosphere on the bus ride home as positive, with players and staff celebrating after learning of their division win. “I mean, it was great. Everybody was kind of watching on their phones or following along. I think the timing of it worked out well, that the Eagles were able to win, and then we were able to kind of time it up here, and have the hats and the T-shirts here ready to go pretty quickly. And so, I appreciate that, and Stick [Preston Rogers]’s crew having that ready to go. Players enjoyed it. Staff enjoyed it. I thought it was perfect timing, and then everybody kind of went on their way,” Vrabel said.
When asked about balancing celebration with preparation for upcoming games, Vrabel explained: “It was about 15 minutes to get a picture, the shirt’s passed out, the hat’s passed out and the pictures organized, but other than that, back to work, focused on the Dolphins, focused on who we may have and a plan that we’ll have to try to put together to improve.”
Vrabel addressed questions regarding team injuries. On Mack Hollins’ status for postseason play he stated: “Again, we won’t be able to see him for another three weeks. So, at that point in time, then we would make a decision, and I hope that’s one that we could make. But right now, I don’t think I can predict anything.” He confirmed Hollins’ injury occurred during last week’s game.
Regarding Jack Westover’s ankle injury: “Sore, probably could have returned, but we’ll monitor him here in the next couple days. I don’t think it’s anything that is too significant, but we’ll just see how he progresses here when we get back to work.” For Will Campbell’s practice prospects this week Vrabel added: “I think he will.”
Reflecting on Hunter Henry’s leadership role within the team culture since his arrival at OTAs through training camp: “Well, I would just again talk about his consistency from the very first time that I’ve been here with him through the OTAs…His work…his knowledge…always making plays…I appreciate his leadership…He always has good perspective.”
Vrabel also commented on special teams performance in their recent 42-10 victory while acknowledging areas needing improvement despite a large margin: “There’s plenty. There’s plenty. We can find it.” He discussed details around a fake punt play allowed by New England’s special teams unit.
On quarterback Drake Maye’s poise against disguised coverage schemes Vrabel said: “I just think he’s getting a lot more comfortable…He’s knowledgeable…there’s trust with protection at times…He can also extend…” He further praised Maye’s toughness and ability not only as a player but as an emerging leader.
Vrabel highlighted Efton Chism III’s readiness for opportunity due to injuries elsewhere on offense: “He’s prepared the same way since the day that he got here…”
Discussing staff dynamics between coaches Tom Quinn and Jeremy Springer—both retained from last season—Vrabel remarked: “They’ve worked together really well…They complement each other very well…”
Addressing Will Campbell traveling with teammates while injured instead of staying behind for recovery treatments—a decision Campbell made himself—Vrabel noted its positive impact on team morale.
The head coach thanked Robert Kraft and Jonathan Kraft for allowing families of staff members to attend recent games in New York as part of efforts toward building organizational culture: “Just to offer that…an opportunity…hang out…go to dinner…I want to thank Robert [Kraft] and Jonathan [Kraft] for doing that…”
Finally Vrabel explained giving Drake Maye a special game ball after his latest performance: “…that was a special game ball…all our road wins on the ball…I put a lot of time and effort into that thing…So it’s kind of fitting that Drake had the performance he had…”
