HEAD COACH MIKE VRABEL

Postgame Press Conference
Sunday, January 18, 2026

Q: How does it feel to be in the AFC title game, and what did it take to get here?

MV: I'm always excited for our organization, excited for the players. I am appreciative of their work and their efforts. Everybody's stepping up. We're using everybody. Everybody's making plays. Everybody's helping us win. I'm excited for these guys, but also, they're not satisfied, and I can tell that. It wasn't pretty. Defense kept us in there. When we needed it, our offense was able to come through late in the game there in the second half with a touchdown, giving us a two-score lead. I felt like that drive, backed up there from the 3-yard line, where we ran the ball and took a lot of clock was pretty classy.

Q: Your defense has allowed 19 points, if you look at it in two games. What have they done well in your mind?

MV: They're playing well together. I feel like they're complementing each other, and our turnovers are created by more than one guy. There's some great efforts. But it's somebody tipping a pass or it's somebody that's putting pressure that's usually helping -- or Zak's dialing something up that kind of changes the look. We're taking advantage of our opportunities. And that's what it's going to take in the playoffs, is you've got to take care of the ball and turn it over.

Q: How would you define the resiliency of your football team?

MV: I think, again, there's times where it doesn't look great. And we know going against a great defense, which I mean that's what they are, it's hard. There's some tough sledding. There's some plays that don't look great. It's a fast, talented defense. And we talked about that coming in. But in the end, I felt like we just kind of stuck around. And we always talk about it only takes one play. And early on, that might have been Pop and Marcus. K.C. caused that touchdown that Marcus took back, or Kayshon in the second half and Drake giving him the ball. So it just takes one play. And I think that sparks us.

Q: You mentioned the offense there in the fourth quarter. We've talked to you about Drake all season, but maybe not the best first three quarters. Just talk a little bit about what he was able to do and kind of stay resilient in that fourth quarter?

MV: We talk about not going in the blender. And I think it's hard. They put pressure on us, and we know we've got to take care of the ball. Drake knows that. But to be able to stay the course and to trust Kayshon and give him a great ball that was him or nobody, and those guys have kind of done that all year -- when we needed a play, they've been able to do that for us.

Q: You said at the beginning that the players aren't satisfied. You can tell that. Can you give me an example of what you saw that indicates that? Also, a coach's job is also to tune out the noise. There's going to be a heck of a lot of noise this week. Are you satisfied that you've got your place to tune out that noise or is that a work in progress?

MV: We know the stadium is going to be loud. So the louder the better. Every opportunity -- I think what we've done is we've asked them to embrace the preparation, embrace the strain and also enjoy every minute of this, enjoy walking into this stadium, coming in here, enjoy putting your uniform on, enjoy going out there doing warm-ups and enjoy seeing your family. But mostly enjoy the execution. We'll keep doing that, and we know we've got to go on the road to a No. 1 seed in the AFC, and it's not going to be easy. But we'll come out and be ready to go.

Q: You talked about a loud stadium potentially in store for next week. How much do you feel that the home crowd played into the victory tonight in the last home game of the season?

MV: Well, they help. They help tremendously. And, again, they ratcheted it up there in the fourth quarter and some of those third down stop back by the lighthouse that I thought was really ratcheted up. When they chose to punt that was huge for us. They got a great punt but and we took the ball. But the harder we play and the more plays that we make, the louder they're going to get. I've said this since we've been here -- they're knowledgeable fans. They've seen a lot of good football over the course of 20-some years. They know what it looks like, and they have high expectations.

Q: I'm curious, what did you see from your defense as concerns the takeaways tonight, and how they were able to just generate so many of them?

MV: Again, it was a group effort. We talked about it being a group effort. Whether that's understanding the call, understanding where each guy fits. But I felt like, especially on Marcus' -- we talked about some of these boots, and K.C. was able to force the quarterback into some mistakes and we tipped some passes. Again, there were some other plays that were close with the quarterback's arm. I think we kept changing the look up on him a little bit. Give our guys credit to be able to disguise. We talked about that and certainly affecting the quarterback is a big part of winning in this league.

Q: You mentioned at the outset everybody's stepping up, everyone's making plays. What does it mean to a coach to get a three-phase effort in a win here tonight?

MV: A lot goes into it. We always give credit to the players, but I'm extremely lucky for the staff that we have, their knowledge, their alignment, their loyalty, and their ability they've given our players to have confidence in their job is something that I really appreciate. So, again, the results will always be for the players, and because of the players. But I appreciate the staff, and I can't thank them enough. Again, I tell the players all the time, I'm proud to be their coach, but I appreciate the staff as well.

Q: You always do such a good job of complimenting your players, but in terms of preparation, you take so much pride in getting them ready. Was there something you did in specific that you did for this game that you reflect on now that worked in this game?

MV: I thought we've tried to add situations to the postseason. I think we've tried to, instead of doing it on Saturday, we've tried to maybe add those situations during practice on Wednesdays and Thursdays and Fridays as opposed to doing them in the walk-through, just because we know how critical they are. Again, we've tried to stay consistent and not make it -- we understand how important these games are and how critical each play is -- but to not just change everything we do. We practiced on Thursdays fast and we put pads on, and they embraced that. We knew it would be a physical game. We knew it would be a tough game. Again, we just have to keep getting better.

Q: There was a lot of talk about the Texans defense this week, do you feel your defense took that personally at all?

MV: I'm sure they're going to tell you in 30 seconds as soon as you guys go rushing out of here. Again, they're really good for a reason; they've shown it each and every week. But our guys are prideful men. And they want to compete and they want to win. And, again, they deserve the recognition that they're going to get. They're a top-five defense for a reason as well. Again, that's how some of these things go. When it comes down to turnovers. And we've got to get back on track. We forced second-and-long, so we stopped the run. And I'm proud of each and every guy in there.

QUARTERBACK DRAKE MAYE

Postgame Press Conference
Sunday, January 18, 2026

Q: A thought on getting the job done, basically? How much of a battle was it for you against their defense, and then to watch your defense do what it did?

DM: We knew it was going to be a battle. We knew this was a great football team coming in here. Happy for the guys. This is one to enjoy. It was tough. Battle of the elements. Props to our defense, they played great. We made enough plays on offense and we cleaned some stuff up. We knew they were going to be a good defense. Like I said, our defense helped us all night and special teams as well, enjoy this one, and we're back on the road.

Q: The touchdown pass to Kayshon Boutte, the play he made, did you even see it? It was just a matter of you kind of leading him and knowing he was going to make a play?

DM: He keeps on making them. He keeps on making plays, making me look good. I'm proud to be able to give him some throws to make a play on it. A one-handed catch, not much else to say about it. It was pretty sweet. Kind of the same type of throw as my first one to him. And he made an even better catch this time. Props to Kayshon for keep on playing. He was huge for us tonight. That receiver room just keeps on doing good things. Good job in the running game. I think I could have more chances downfield and make better throws. But you can't be too hard on myself and move on to the next one.

Q: As the fourth quarter started, what were you thinking about kind of using the clock or getting some more points or just it had been obviously a pretty tough game up to there. What was going through your mind? I wondered if you had any thoughts on Bo Nix and the unfortunate injury?

DM: There's ups and downs with the game. Our mentality on offense is go down and score. There's no mentality. When it becomes a two-possession game late in the fourth quarter it kind of becomes a different deal. Like at the end, just proud of the offensive line for being able to run it when they know we're going to run it in that second to last drive. And I botched the last third down. I missed the throw. But really just proud of the guys for running it. It's hard in this league to run it when they know you're going to run it. Those guys were huge. Fourth quarter, that's when it's crunch time. The snow picked up a little bit. It was pretty sweet, just the fans, the stadium, the atmosphere, it was pretty cool. There at the end, when we were in the victory formation, that's always the stuff I remember. Pretty sweet. Bo, yeah, got to train with Bo before the pre-draft. Got to know him and his family and his wife. First off, they're just great people, great Christians. Really enjoy being around Bo Nix and his family. Obviously the news, it's heartbreaking for what a player he is, the guy he is. And just know praying for Bo, I know he's going to bounce back. He's a great player in this league. Look forward to matching up with him. We had one in college and he got the best of me. I know he'll bounce back. I know they've got a good team. Should be a tough one next week.

Q: Curious, Mike Vrabel when he was in here he said you guys are excited about the win but not satisfied. Is that how you would also describe the mentality amongst the team? And what does it mean to not be satisfied?

DM: I think not satisfied means we're back on the road. Back on the road in an AFC Championship game. That speaks for itself. I'm just trying to enjoy these playoff wins. I think in the regulars when you come up with wins and you feel like you can play better, you have this (indiscernible) mentality. And just know that we made enough plays tonight, and obviously I wish I had some plays back. That's part of it part of playing good teams in the playoffs. Proud of the guys for how we played. Keeps on being a defense picking us up when we need to. And special teams was huge. And so like I said, just back on the root and we've got a tough opponent.

Q: Eight turnovers total in the game between both teams. How much of that do you think was the elements, how much was the caliber of the defenses? What did you attribute what type of game it was?

DM: Credit to the defense. We knew they were going to be good, and they lived up to the hype and all the statistics, and all the ball hunting that we saw on film. They ball hunt. The edges are tough, got to do a better stepping up and, hit guys downfield when we had chances. But like I said, we made enough plays, scored 21 and the defense helped us out with seven. And we did what we had to do in the game. The elements were a little tough. I have to be better with the football when I'm taking off and running. From there, just know that the football is the prized possession. And when we don't turn the ball over and put the team in the best spots, I like our chances.

Q: Played two playoff games; team has two wins. You know what it takes to win in the playoffs. How much tougher was this game than the first game, how much tougher do you expect it to get?

DM: It's going to keep on getting tougher. We keep on playing great defenses with great quarterbacks and teams that deserve to be here. That's what we feel like we deserve to be here, and we've got times where we know we'll have to be at our best in critical moments. It comes down -- it's going to come down to the end and come down to making plays when you have them. I've just got to keep on giving our guys chances to make plays. I like our chances with those guys in the locker room. It's fun to be with those guys, fun to show up here and just glad the season keeps on going. Hopefully it goes for a good while longer.

Q: Obviously Coach Vrabel gets a lot of credit for establishing what's here, starting going back to when he was hired. Talk about what he's meant for you, personally. What has he done for Drake Maye to make you a better player?

DM: Yeah, I think he challenges me. He challenges me really every day, every day in practice, every day, every time I come back from the sideline from a drive, he's always got something to say. It's not like it's -- it's usually something meaningful and that's worth something. Trying to listen to him as much as I can. I know he's played in some big games like this. It's cool when you can see his emotion on his face when he's not even playing, he's coaching, and how much he cares for us how much he cares for each of us personally. I think he pushes me to be the best I can be. One of the best thing about Coach, he coaches hard, but he also cares about us a lot. I think that goes a long way. Coach Vrabel, he's a constant now. It's hard when I'm sitting right here and my man is with the camera, on team meetings, he's got a sarcasm that haven't really figured out 100 percent yet. He's got a little tough sarcasm where I want to laugh but you don't really want to. I think he's a big dude, too. I respect somebody that, shoot, looking me in the eye, and he's always got something to say, and I think it's always something that is either funny or helps the team and helps us win.

Q: I want to ask you a little bit more about the weather if I could. There was the drive you had the touchdown pass to Stef. In that drive it looked like you had a better grip on the ball, quite honestly. Did something change with the weather that enabled you to do that throughout the game? Things seemed to be better after that?

DM: When the snowflakes stop, I think it's a little easier to throw the football, got a little better grip. But really I think C.J. probably would say the same thing. We both probably had some throws that was tough, it was tough to get a grip on it. It's tough in warmups because you get a feel where the ball doesn't touch the ground and the guys are passing it around with each other and pause. But I think the biggest thing is getting back there with snow and just having a good grip on it and letting it rip. Like I said, the weather is no excuse, but there's definitely times where the ball rolls around on the ground with the center before the snap, it gets a little wet. So it's definitely tough, but I thought we made enough throws.

ADDITIONAL PATRIOTS PLAYERS

Stefon Diggs, WR

(On how this game felt like survival)

"Yeah, just treating each play like it's its own play and not getting caught up on it. Good, bad or indifferent, just rolling with the punches because it's going to be playoff football. Good things are going to happen, bad things are going to happen. But I do want to give a shout out to the defense. They showed up today and played impeccable defense. They played amazing. So, if we get that kind of defense, we're pretty much hard to beat. That's an amazing football team over there. Their defense was second to none. They've got playmakers on the offensive side of the ball. So, it was definitely a challenge for us. But for us to come out on top says a lot about this team."

(On the talk about Houston's defense and feeling disrespected)

"It's a good thing. Hopefully they do that again this week because that's another good defense we're about to go see. I feel like I spoke on it not too long ago, but playing with a chip on our shoulder. I think we're one of those teams that play better with a chip on our shoulder – when everybody kind of counted us out. I think there was a handful of commentators and people, the little tidbits that I do see – because I try not to see too much – they all picked Houston to win. I mean, for a good reason – that's a good football team, and I understand their vantage point. All we can do is come in, work hard during the week and put ourselves in the best position to win the game."

(On how it feels going to the AFC Championship)

"I don't think it's sunk in yet. We're going to enjoy it for the next eight hours. They've got a day on us right now, recovery-wise, so I think the biggest thing for us is to come in and try to be better. We have some things that we left out there, but coming out with the win means everything. I'd rather win and learn a lesson than lose. We talked about that earlier in the season. So, it hasn't sunk in, and I hope it doesn't. I want to just move on – move on to the next. Be thankful for where we are, but we've got to get another one."

(On if the team learned a lesson today)

"Yeah, 100%. I think we learned a lesson a lot about ourselves, about our adversity. We talked a lot about it during the week, that a fight ain't a fight until you meet resistance, until they swing back, and they definitely were swinging back the whole time. So, being able to weather the storm and come out with a W, I just feel like I'm thankful."

(On what he thought of Kayshon Boutte's touchdown)

"I was impressed. We was in of who could have had a better touchdown. Pop [DeMario Douglas] popped it off. I tried to follow Pop, and then I think that was the sprinkles on top of the ice cream. He's a hell of a player. But he continues to show up, game in and game out. He's just one of the guys that we're going to continue to motivate, push and talk a lot of junk to. But he shows up, he makes a lot of plays and I'm proud of that guy. It's hard to get the ball around here. When guys do get it, they're taking advantage of their odds."

Will Campbell, T

(On recovering two fumbles)

"Just get the ball that's on the ground. You don't want to give it to them in a short field, so get on there and play for it."

(On going to an AFC Championship in his first year as a professional)

"Yeah, that's very cool. We had a great group of guys, super excited for the opportunity. That's what you work for, to get an opportunity like this. So, to be able to experience it my first year, is pretty cool."

(On what makes Will Anderson so difficult)

"Oh, they're both good. They're both first-team All-Pro. You watch the tape, they both have combined after the night, and they both have 31 sacks. I don't know. They're talented. Their whole defense is, but our defense played better tonight. Our defense outplayed their defense. That's something we talked about coming into the week. We knew it wasn't going to be easy. We knew it was going to be a battle. Whenever your defense can get four interceptions, it's pretty cool to watch and be a part of."

(On Drake Maye's resilience today)

"He is who he is for a reason. Nothing can make him flinch, I've said it before, and I like our chances anytime he's in the game. He's just a heck of a player, even better leader. Wouldn't want anybody else commanding the huddle."

Hunter Henry, TE

(On his emotions after advancing to the AFC Championship)

"Oh man. Gosh, what a blessing to just be in this situation, be in this moment. Gosh, it almost doesn't feel real in a way, but I'm pumped, I'm excited. I'm really, really excited man. I'm just filled with a lot of gratitude and a lot of joy."

(On what it's been like to see all three units come together to contribute)

"The playoffs are hard. It takes all of us. We've preached that all year long and it's really coming together right now. And to watch how our defense is flying around and making plays right now, man, it's really, really cool. I think they were excited to kind of go out there and show who they were. Obviously, the Texans defense was – man, they were a problem. They caused a lot of problems. They do a lot of different things, and they're very, very talented and hard to go against. Our defense stepped up to the challenge too and played lights out today."

(On how much fun it's been to watch Drake Maye learn to win in the playoffs)

"I think he's learning that fast, how hard it is and how you've got to just stay in the game. Nothing's really going to be perfect. You've just got to continue to fight, to scratch, to claw. Some things might not go your way, and you just have to come back, keep swinging. I'm proud of him for continuing to do that. I mean, just continuing to step up today in a major way, and when we needed him. I mean, he's done it all year, but today was pretty, pretty special in those elements, the elements in Foxborough and everything. And so, yeah, he's a special, special player and a lot of fun to play with."

(On if he can help his teammates acclimate to the environment in Denver)

"Yeah, I mean, it's a challenge, man. When that place is rolling, it's going to be extremely loud. I know it'll be an environment. They'll be ready to go. The elevation can be an issue, but just staying hydrated, moving around a lot, we'll be all right in a way. But I know the environment will be a lot, it'll be loud and we'll have to match that intensity. So, it's a big opportunity and I know all the guys will be excited for it."

(On his thoughts as they were in victory formation for the second week in a row at home)

"Yeah, man, that 'Livin' on a Prayer' was sick. The snowfall at the end of the game, that was really, really special. The last two weeks have been, honestly, two of my favorite games I've ever been a part of in my career. Just the environment, just the electricity, just the fans, everybody into it the whole game, giving us a true home-field advantage. It was really, really special for me to be a part of that. And so, this game and then last week was really, really special and a lot of fun to be a part of."

Rhamondre Stevenson, RB

(On his eye injury and coming back)

"Yeah, great team win. To start off, I think we fought hard. Our O-line was working all day. That is a great defense we were going against. Got poked in the eye a little, but nothing serious at all."

(On the emotions of advancing to the AFC Championship Game)
"Very excited. I have been in the league for five years, have not been in this position. So going to make the most of it. Put my best foot forward and hopefully get another win next weekend and hopefully onto the big game."

(On the overall performance)
"Yeah it takes all 11 guys on the offensive side of the ball. It feels good to end the game with the ball in my hands and just running behind my O-line. That is tough football in my eyes, controlling the clock and running it when they know you are going to run it. Great to get that done today. A lot to clean up for sure, but great to get that done."

(On what these two playoff wins have taught him)
"It is going to take all of us. It is going to be a fight every time. It was great teams on the other side of the ball. We have got to play our best football this time of the year and just keep going. Just limit mistakes and we could win."

(On the strip sacks on Drake Maye and what the conversations around him were like)
"Just next play really. It was not a big deal to us. Like I say when I come here all the time, it is just if it's a bad play, a good play, just next play. So there was not really anything to talk about. We know the kind of guy he is, he knows he made a mistake or whatnot. So it was not anything like that. It was just, next play. He is our quarterback and we know he makes some great plays. So it is just onto the next play."

Christian Barmore, DL

(On people picking Houston to win)

"We see that. We just stay quiet. We let our game speak. We're not about the talk, we're about the actions. We let the game speak and see what happens."

(On coming together with this group of players)

"It's guys that want to work. We're not lazy. We work. Everybody, we work. Coach [Mike] Vrabel, he sees that all the time. If he sees somebody dancing around, he will call you out, and I love that. We love to work here, we love the crowd, we love our team, the coaches. Everything here is just about, just focus on one thing, being the best defense we could be."

(On if the defense is in their zone)

"Yeah, we all get in the zone, especially during pregame talk – what Vrabel is telling us. We are all just up and turned up, especially when [Stefon] Diggs talks to us. All the leaders on the team talk to us, and they all set the tone and motivate us to be the best we can be."

(On the level of confidence in the defense)

"We have a great defense, we have great DBs, great D-line, great linebackers. We're all a team. This is a team game. When we play as a team, it's hard to beat. It feels like we need to keep doing what we have to do, focus on Denver and we're all going to play as a team."

Milton Williams, DT

(On if the talk about Houston's defense fuels them)

"Definitely, it definitely fueled the whole defense. Nobody has been talking about our defense all year. We'll see what they say today. Every week, we're trying to come out and dominate knowing that they do have a great defense, but in our minds, it was our defense versus their defense. See who could make more plays, create more turnovers, stop the run and get the ball back to our offense."

(On playing in the AFC Championship)

"It's big. I just told them, 'Don't make it bigger than it is, we're just playing football. Go out there and do what we've been doing, do your job, and stay consistent. The rest will handle itself.'"

(On how the defense got to C.J. Stroud)

"Just being where we're supposed to be, executing at a high level. We have a bunch of dogs that are hungry, and we went out there and showed it today."

(On what makes this defense championship level)

"Every level, we've got dogs on every level of our team. Everybody is doing their job at a high level. The communication, everything is just working together. The coaches put us in position to make plays, and we just execute at a high level. That's all we need."

Robert Spillane, LB

(On how it feels to make the AFC Championship Game)

"Yeah, I am so proud of the guys, continuing to work each and every day, show up here with the great energy and attitude. And then to go out there and perform, we knew it was going to be a 60-minute battle. We knew they were not going to lay down for a second, so I am just so proud of the resilience and comeback attitude of this team, and now we just keep fighting."

(On what he saw earlier in the year)
"I saw a group of hungry guys that were willing to do whatever it takes to get the wins required to be meaningful in this league. It is never easy to win games, but I saw the group of guys that we had in that locker room. The heart of the guys that we have now, we were going to fight each and every play, each and every game. To be here is special."

(On his pass break up on the last defensive play of the game)
"Yeah I am running down the middle of the field and the receiver's eyes just got big. Looking up at the ball, you sense it is covered, your sense to come. I am like, just do not follow him, make a play on the ball. Do not turn around, let him catch it first, and do not let him come to the ground with the ball. And I was able to get it out and help make a play for the team."

(On how he would describe this season)
"A work in progress, we are not finished. We are just going to continue to put our heads down, bring the energy required each and every day, to this game planning of the week, and pour our hearts into it like we all have. Every man in this locker room, every coach, just pour our hearts into this season and we are going to continue to do that and let the chips fall where they do."

Christian Gonzalez, CB

(On the defensive performance…)

"We had a plan. We executed, went out there and we were able to do what we do. Of course, we like us as a defense, and we'll go up against anybody. It was good to get out there and show what we can do."

(On the consistency of this team…)

"[Mike] Vrabel came in from the first meeting and told us about our identity. You see the identity that's up there. Everybody bought in. It's kind of a big thing that no one believed in us, nobody counted on us, or counted on us in being in any of these games. To us, we just come into work every day. Everybody, it is such a grateful group. Everybody is always smiling around here. Everybody is always laughing and having a good time. When you're able to do that and lock in when you need to in meetings and things like that, you build that brotherhood, and we've built that. It translates in so many ways."

(On trusting the process from the beginning of the season)

"It can be tough when you get a new coach, but everybody bought in. There was no halfway and everybody bought in. We bought in from OTAs, and we've been able to build this and continue to keep going."

(On the performance of Carlton Davis III and Marcus Jones today…)

"It was awesome to see [Carlton Davis III] get two picks. That's four picks in two years for him against the Texans. It was awesome to see that. He's one of the hardest workers. We come in every day, and we spend a lot of time in the film room together, watching, breaking down receivers and offenses. Then you know, once Marcus touches the ball, he can score from anywhere. I was trying to get him down to let me get a block for him, but he was able to get in, so that was good. I'm happy for him and happy for this team. We'll enjoy it tonight, move on and be ready for Denver."

Craig Woodson, S

(On talk about the Texans' defense…)

"We heard a lot of talk about the Texans' defense, but at the end of the day, we worry about us. We worry about this defense, we worry about getting stops, worry about going out there and dominating. That's what we did, but we're proud of everybody on this defense."

(On when it hit him that they'd be playing in the AFC Championship…)

"I don't think it's hit me yet, but I'm blessed, that's all I can say. Blessed for my first year to be going to the AFC Championship, and we just want to keep this thing going. Take one day at a time and when it's time to play, it's go time."

(On how he has gotten comfortable in the defense…)

"I think I got comfortable with the guys around me. Everybody cheering me on, giving me support, allowing me to know that they've got my back. I think that's made things easier for me, and I'm blessed to have the teammates I have."