The Patriots are just minutes away from playing in their first AFC Championship since the 2018 season, and this time it's on the road in Denver. The weather is far different from what's going on back in Foxborough, making it a more level playing field for the Broncos, who are hoping the altitude will work in their favor.
It's a big game for a mostly inexperienced New England roster, led by second-year quarterback Drake Maye, and several young, or even rookie, starters across the board. That puts a lot of pressure on the group to perform at the highest level in the biggest game of the season, and in most cases, their careers, and Mike Vrabel just put even more weight on the shoulders of one rookie.
The expectation is that Sunday's game will be won in the trenches, with Broncos starting QB Bo Nix sidelined with a broken foot and the Patriots coming off a less-than-stellar offensive performance. So the defense and special teams will need to pick things up, with one special teamer who might be dealing with the most pressure of all.
It's certainly how Vrabel just made it seem.
Mike Vrabel doesn't mince words when discussing how important kickers are to an NFL roster
While talking about the Patriots' honorary captain for the game, three-time Super Bowl Champion kicker Adam Vinatieri, Vrabel made it clear just how important kickers are to the game.
It's hard to overlook how this could be a message for rookie Andy Borregales, who has become an integral part of the Patriots' performance this year, and will surely be called upon in the championship game.
Full quote on Vinatieri, who is today's honorary Patriots captain:
— Chris Mason (@ByChrisMason) January 25, 2026
"Kickers are good teammates when they make their kicks, and that certainly was Adam. It was very calming to know that if it ever came down to it, that he would be there to make a kick when we had to have it."
While it's not a direct message to Borregales, Vrabel's emphasis on how crucial kickers are to the game still feels like it wasn't said by mistake or without reason.
Special teams can be the difference between winning and losing a game in one play, and the Patriots are known for that over the last 25 years. It's why Bill Belichick prioritized making the third unit the best in the league, and they will be crucial to how they fare against the Broncos this weekend.
Special teams coordinator Jeremy Springer has done an impressive job in his second season with the team, and the hope is that they will all be at their very best on Sunday, perhaps most importantly, Borregales.