-
Mike Reiss
DENVER — Here are some quick thoughts and notes regarding the New England Patriots and the NFL:
1. Vrabel vs. Payton: This year’s AFC Championship Game features the Patriots and Denver Broncos (3 p.m. ET, CBS), spotlighting two teams that excelled in their recent coaching hires during an offseason that saw 10 teams change head coaches. The matchup between Mike Vrabel and Sean Payton is an exceptional one.
Both coaches have received an Associated Press Coach of the Year Award, with Payton winning in 2006 with the New Orleans Saints and Vrabel taking home the honor in 2021 with the Tennessee Titans. Together, they boast four Super Bowl titles—Payton’s came in 2009 with the Saints, while Vrabel won three as a player with the Patriots in the 2001, 2003, and 2004 seasons.
This matchup marks their teams’ third encounter. Payton’s Saints previously defeated Vrabel’s Titans 38-28 in Week 16 of the 2019 season, followed by a Titans victory of 23-21 in Week 10 of the 2021 season.
Payton recalls one of his first memories of Vrabel during joint practices in New England back in 2001 when he was an assistant coach with the Giants. They later established a closer connection at league meetings once Vrabel became head coach of the Titans in 2018.
“He’s passionate, and you can see that passion reflected in his team’s performance,” Payton noted. “When the Lions were inquiring about Dan Campbell, I stated it was a compliment to both coaches, saying, ‘You’re getting an offensive version of Vrabel—someone who excelled as a player and is tough. Their teams will embody that.'”
Conversely, Vrabel admires Payton’s inventive playcalling.
“He skillfully utilizes his players and his scheme. The way he employed his players in New Orleans and now in Denver is something to prepare for,” Vrabel mentioned as they approach Sunday’s game.
“He has his core principles that he’s maintained over the years but continually adapts them as the game evolves, which is quite remarkable.”
Patriots defenders acknowledged the diversity and volume of Payton’s offensive strategies, noting that it posed significant preparation challenges this week. Linebacker Robert Spillane mentioned they expect “numerous personnel packages, motion, and unconventional formations.”
“He designs plays to get the ball to specific players,” Vrabel remarked about Payton. “His record speaks volumes. It’s a tough challenge—he’s proven his worth in this league.”
Should Vrabel succeed, he would become the seventh head coach to guide a team he once played for to a Super Bowl, joining the likes of Don Shula (Super Bowl III with Baltimore), Tom Flores (XV, XVIII with Raiders), Mike Ditka (XX with Bears), Sam Wyche (XXIII with Bengals), Gary Kubiak (50 with Broncos), and Doug Pederson (LII with Eagles).
“There’s a unique element to returning home, a place he takes great pride in,” Payton stated.
Let the strategic battle commence.
2. Maye’s lesson: Quarterback Drake Maye, who played his initial two playoff games at home, mentioned he didn’t discover anything new about the postseason, but he certainly experienced something different.
“The significance of home playoff games is often discussed, but I only truly understood it once I was in one—realizing the crowd’s impact and what it’s like going on the road,” he reflected. “I’m eagerly anticipating that experience.”
Since Payton took over as Broncos coach in 2024, only three road teams have emerged victorious in Denver (Jaguars, Steelers, Chargers).
3. Jennings’ reward: Vrabel’s announcement on Friday that six-year veteran outside linebacker Anfernee Jennings was chosen as a game captain for the AFC Championship acknowledged his unwavering professionalism.
Initially, there were uncertainties about how Jennings would fit into Vrabel’s aggressive scheme, given his rugged playing style as a 3-4 outside linebacker was more suited for the previous Bill Belichick/Jerod Mayo defense. but, Jennings remained confident he was a “football player,” and his performance and attitude won over Vrabel and the coaching staff.
Updating the Patriots game captain file: https://t.co/hK5lPrXw12 pic.twitter.com/6MYbCOvQY2
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) January 24, 2026
4. Vrabel’s joy: Since day one as head coach of the Patriots, Vrabel has emphasized the importance of finding joy in their work, a sentiment evident in his enthusiasm for coaching once again.
After being let go by the Titans in 2023 and spending 2024 as a consultant with the Browns, he’s come to appreciate his role even more. On Friday, he stated, “I just genuinely enjoy coaching these guys. You might take it for granted the first time around, but getting this second chance has shown me that. Working with players who are enjoyable to be around—no one takes themselves too seriously. They banter with me, and I reciprocate. We aim to prepare for the game.”
5. Diggs in Denver: Veteran wide receiver Stefon Diggs, one of eight Patriots with prior experience in a conference championship game, was visibly emotional following the divisional round victory. A visit to Denver brings him full circle to his NFL debut in 2015 as a rookie with the Vikings, where he recorded six receptions for 87 yards. One lasting memory from that day?
“It’s an incredibly loud atmosphere,” Diggs recalled. “I have a vivid image of what that environment looks like — and that was during the regular season.”
6. Gonzo-Surtain: even if somewhat overlooked, Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez regards Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II as the benchmark for cornerbacks in the NFL. They will share the field come Sunday and may even swap jerseys afterward.
Gonzalez (6-1, 205) mentioned he has modeled his game after Surtain (6-2, 202) by studying him since college. The respect is mutual; Surtain acknowledged Gonzalez’s patience and technique earlier this season, which meant a great deal to Gonzalez.
7. Captain Vinatieri: The Patriots have chosen kicker Adam Vinatieri (1996-2005) as their honorary captain for the AFC Championship Game, honoring him in what promises to be a memorable year as he is likely heading to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Honorary captains typically participate in the coin toss and may present the Lamar Hunt Trophy to the team in case of a victory. Vince Wilfork, Drew Bledsoe, and Tedy Bruschi were the Patriots’ previous honorary captains (2016-18).
8. Senior Bowl: At one point during Thursday’s practice, Vrabel was spotted having a one-on-one conversation with executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf. This moment highlights their developing partnership and showcases the current balancing act Wolf faces as he prepares for the Senior Bowl next week.
A unique aspect of this AFC Championship Game is that both the Patriots, with Wolf, and the Broncos, under George Paton, retained their top personnel executives when hiring their latest head coaches.
9. Did You Know, Part I: The Patriots have secured four road conference championship victories since the NFL-AFL merger, tying them with the Cowboys for the most in the league. A win in Denver this Sunday would give them the record.
10. Did You Know, Part II: In 17 of their 19 games this season, the Patriots have held a halftime lead (with only a 14-7 loss in Week 3 against the Steelers and a 10-10 tie in Week 16 against the Ravens). This ties them with the 1984 San Francisco 49ers for the highest number in a single season during the Super Bowl era.
