New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel addressed the media on December 10, 2025, discussing a range of topics ahead of the team’s upcoming divisional matchup.
Vrabel began by expressing support for former teammate Kevin Faulk and his family. “I just want to send anything that we can and well wishes to Kevin and Latisha Faulk. Obviously, we’re all heartbroken. Kevin was a teammate. He’s a huge part of this legacy here of this football team, and the impact that he made here, coaching in college and how much he loved LSU. There’s no words to describe what they’re going through, but I just wanted to make sure that everybody knows that we care deeply about Kevin and his family, and our thoughts and our prayers are with them.”
When asked about the significance of high-stakes games as preparation for potential postseason play, Vrabel emphasized the importance of each regular season game. “Well, I hope that everything we do – we only have 17 opportunities, so all of that has to be valuable prep. They all count the same at the end. This is a great stage that we put ourselves on, and that’s exciting, but obviously, hopefully, we’ve been able to draw from different opportunities that we’ve had to help us. And so, what we’re focused on is the previous opportunities that can help us this week, and then whatever we’re able to learn from the game on Sunday going forward to help us the next week. That’s what we’re trying to do.”
Addressing challenges associated with facing division opponents for a second time in a season, Vrabel noted their evolution over time: “They’ve changed, they’ve continued to evolve and they’ve continued to improve…So however the game unfolds, we’ll have to do everything that we can to play the entire four quarters and then some if we need to.”
Regarding Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen’s use of tight ends in their offense—specifically Dalton Kincaid—Vrabel said: “I think that’s grown…the matchup and his skill set in the passing game…great speed and athleticism…very quarterback friendly.” He also highlighted contributions from Dawson Knox and Jackson Hawes.
Asked about being considered underdogs by Las Vegas oddsmakers heading into this matchup against Buffalo—a team which has won its division five years running—Vrabel downplayed any focus on external predictions: “No…every week you see in this league that records really don’t mean anything…we’re just trying to focus on our preparation here…”
On injuries affecting defensive line depth (with Milton Williams and Khyiris Tonga out), Vrabel praised younger players stepping up: “I think Cory’s continued to improve…Eric’s taking the opportunities on Thursdays…we’ll need everybody up front.”
The coach also commented on defending against mobile quarterbacks like Josh Allen: “You can’t sit in any one thing…[it’s] about picking opportunities,” emphasizing discipline when tackling.
Reflecting on limiting James Cook III’s rushing yards earlier in Week 5 against Buffalo—a result partly attributed both to defensive execution early in games as well as offensive ball control—Vrabel stated: “We’ll have to do everything we did in that game and then some…”
On wide receiver Mack Hollins’ contribution this season beyond statistics or playing time: “Mack brings a great spirit…he’s a great teammate…those are little things that mean a lot…”
Discussing how often Buffalo uses five-man protection schemes offensively—and strategies for balancing coverage versus pressure—Vrabel observed Allen’s composure under pressure while stressing soundness rather than caution defensively.
Asked whether rivalries develop with teams like Buffalo after repeated meetings within seasons or years (Buffalo having dominated recent division titles), Vrabel responded: “I just got here…they’ve won [the] division five years in a row…I’m just focused on a very good football team…”
He reiterated coordinated aggression as key when containing mobile quarterbacks such as Allen instead of simply keeping him inside pockets passively.
Evaluating New England’s red zone efficiency issues recently encountered by their offense—and its impact during close games—Vrabel said improvement remains an ongoing process but stressed executing fundamentals is crucial both offensively (scoring touchdowns) and defensively (forcing field goals).
Finally addressing Joe Brady’s approach calling plays for Buffalo’s offense—whether it reflects adaptability or consistency—Vrabel acknowledged elements of both staples dressed up differently alongside specific weekly wrinkles.
