For most of the 2025 season, the Patriots' offense dominated the conversation about the team's success, but that changed over the past month as the defense's effort went up a notch going into the playoffs. While that doesn't take anything away from what Drake Maye and the offense are doing, it does put them under a microscope that they hadn't been before.
Because of that, it's easy to pick apart what they're doing well versus what they're struggling with, and that has led analysts to criticize the second-year quarterback to a new level. The same can be said about the young offensive line, who had a rough game against the Texans last week, which included multiple strip sacks and fumble recoveries.
Maye and the linemen lost two fumbles, recovered two, and the quarterback was sacked five times for a loss of 36 yards. It was a brutal day for the group, and they couldn't afford to let this kind of performance continue into the AFC Championship game.
Mike Vrabel made it clear he is very aware of this, too, and it appears he sent a message to the offense with post-game comments made earlier this week.
Mike Vrabel didn't mince words regarding what the Patriots need to improve going into the AFCCG
During his weekly appearance on WEEI's "The Greg Hill Show," the head coach was asked what the Patriots need to improve on ahead of their big matchup against the Broncos on Sunday.
He was clear and concise with his response, seemingly sending a message to the offensive line specifically about protecting the football and Maye.
Patriots HC Mike Vrabel on WEEI's @TheGregHillShow when asked what the team needs to improve:
— Doug Kyed (@DougKyed) January 19, 2026
"Take care of the ball. Don't let the quarterback get hit."
On one hand, Will Campbell and Jared Wilson specifically did as well as expected for rookie tackles lining up against some of the best defenders in the league, even if their stats and rankings likely show another story.
However, their struggles led to many offensive problems, some of which put their potential win in jeopardy, and that can't carry over into the AFCCG because the Broncos won't be as forgiving as the Texans.
Clearly, they need to work hard in practice this week and be on their A-game on Sunday to give Maye the best chance to succeed under center and the Patriots the best opportunity to go to the Super Bowl.
If the same mistakes are made, most notably the turnovers, then it's likely New England's journey ends in Denver.