The New England Patriots are back in the AFC Championship Game, and while the stakes are sky-high, head coach Mike Vrabel is keeping things steady as his team prepares for a tough road matchup against the Denver Broncos. With practice kicking off this week, Vrabel addressed the media Wednesday to provide key updates on player availability, ball security concerns, and the challenge of playing in one of the NFL’s most hostile environments.
Injury Updates: Hollins Still Sidelined, Davis Progressing
Let’s start with the health front. Wide receiver Mack Hollins won’t be returning to practice just yet. Although he’s eligible to come off injured reserve after suffering an abdominal injury back on December 21 against the Ravens, Vrabel confirmed Hollins won’t be activated for Wednesday’s session.
On the other side of the ball, cornerback Carlton Davis is trending in a more promising direction. Davis was a standout in the divisional round win over Houston, notching two interceptions before exiting late with a head injury. He didn’t speak to the media postgame - standard protocol for players being evaluated for a concussion - but Vrabel said Davis is expected to practice in a limited capacity as he works through the NFL’s concussion protocol.
It’s a familiar scenario for New England. Just last week, Christian Gonzalez was in a similar spot after a head injury against the Chargers.
He cleared protocol later in the week and suited up versus the Texans. The Patriots will be hoping Davis can follow the same timeline.
Drake Maye’s Ball Security Under the Microscope
One of the biggest storylines heading into Sunday’s game? Rookie quarterback Drake Maye and his issues holding onto the football. Through two playoff games, Maye has fumbled six times and lost three - a stat line that simply won’t cut it against a Denver defense known for creating chaos.
Vrabel didn’t sugarcoat it.
“We have to be able to not get careless with the football. We can't be reckless,” he said.
“A lot of it is operation. We had two turnovers where we weren't all on the same page.”
That’s the kind of detail that matters in January football. Miscommunication doesn’t just stall drives - it invites turnovers, injuries, and momentum swings. Vrabel emphasized that clean execution and alignment across the offense will be critical against a Broncos defense that thrives on disruption.
History Not on Their Side in Denver
Here’s a stat Patriots fans probably don’t want to hear: New England is 0-4 in playoff games played in Denver. The altitude, the crowd noise, the Broncos' history of home dominance - it’s all part of the challenge. And Vrabel knows it.
That’s why the Patriots have been working on silent counts throughout the season - not just in preparation for this week, but as part of a broader effort to be ready for tough road environments.
“We've worked a silent count throughout the season,” Vrabel said. “Even when we weren’t going on the road, we figured we’d need it.”
That kind of foresight could pay off big time on Sunday. Communication is everything when you’re trying to stay on schedule against a defense that feeds off crowd energy.
Road Warriors Mentality
Despite the daunting setting, the Patriots have been road warriors all season long. They went 8-0 away from home in the regular season - a perfect mark that speaks to their resilience and preparation.
“Probably when we win they enjoy it. I enjoy it too,” Vrabel joked when asked if his team likes playing on the road.
But there’s more to it than that. Vrabel has been preaching the importance of building a team identity that travels - one that can weather mistakes, handle momentum swings, and stay composed when the noise gets deafening.
“You have to be resilient,” Vrabel said. “There’s going to be some swings in momentum. You’re going to have to handle the environment offensively and not put yourself in bad situations because your operation isn’t very good.”
That’s the kind of mindset that wins playoff games in tough places.
One Win from the Super Bowl
After dispatching the Chargers and Texans, the Patriots are now just one win away from a Super Bowl appearance. Standing in their way?
A Broncos team led by a familiar face. With Bo Nix sidelined due to a broken foot, Jarrett Stidham - a former Patriots draft pick - will get the start for Denver.
Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. on Sunday, with the game airing on CBS and streaming on Paramount+. The winner will advance to Super Bowl LX to face either the Rams or Seahawks.
As for the pressure of the moment, Vrabel isn’t worried about his young team feeling overwhelmed.
“They're two more games experienced in the playoffs than they were two weeks ago,” he said. “So, just try to play well, prepare and enjoy it.”
Simple message. Big opportunity. The Patriots are one win away from the NFL’s biggest stage - and they’re heading into Denver with a chip on their shoulder and a game plan built for the road.