Patriots' Mike Vrabel Has High Praise for Chargers

FOXBOROUGH, MA. — As the image of 2025 NFL regular season begins to shrink from view, the New England Patriots are turning their attention to the postseason for the first time since 2021.

With the Denver Broncos’ 19-3 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 18, the 14-3 Patriots are now locked in to the No. 2 seed in the AFC. Ironically, L.A.’s loss has earned them a visit to Foxborough on Jan. 11, as the Pats will host the Bolts at Gillette Stadium in the 8:00pm time slot. The game marks the Pats’ first playoff game at Gillette Stadium since 2019 — when the Tennessee Titans and then-head coach Mike Vrabel ended the Pats’ season in what became franchise legend Tom Brady’s final game with New England.

Accordingly, Vrabel — now in his first season as Pats’ head coach — is well-versed in knowing the requirements for playoff success. Though he remains confident in his team’s ability to sustain a lengthy postseason run, he was careful to remind Patriots Nation of the Chargers’ prowess in advance of this weekend’s showdown.

“I will just tell you that they play great defense … They're very sound” Vrabel told reporters at Gillette Stadium. “They're good tacklers. They're physical. They get off the field on third down. They're good in the red zone. They run the football. It's a physical football team. They possess the football. They lead the NFL in time of possession. They have very good quarterback play. They're well coached. They play with technique and fundamentals …

“They don't panic one way or the other,” he continued. “They kind of stick to their game plan, wear you down and execute in critical situations. So, a lot of respect for them and certainly what they've done in a short amount of time.”

Mike Vrabel Recognizes Chargers’ Strengths