New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel has a lot of respect for the Los Angeles Chargers.
The New England Patriots host the Los Angeles Chargers in the Wild Card round of the 2026 playoffs and Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel knows it's going to be a tough game.
While speaking to reporters this week, Vrabel opened up about facing the "physical" Chargers team coached by Jim Harbaugh.
"I will just tell you that they play great defense," Vrabel said about the Chargers. "They're very sound. 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.
"The game, it doesn't – they don't panic one way or the other. 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."
The Chargers went 11-6 in the regular season. They were 20th in the NFL in points per game and ninth in points per game allowed.
Meanwhile, the Patriots finished Year 1 of the Vrabel era 14-3. They were second in the league in points per game and fourth in points per game allowed.
"I think that we're trending in the right direction," Vrabel said about his team. "That we have our moments of all of those. I can point to numerous instances of us doing it. So again, that's – the only thing that's important is what we're able to do on Sunday night."
The Patriots are Super Bowl contenders for the first time in the post-Tom Brady era. Vrabel could win the Coach of the Year Award this season, while QB Drake Maye could win MVP.
However, if New England loses to Los Angeles, all the success in the regular season will be an afterthought.
"I think just making sure that we continue to prepare the way we have, understand the details, make the corrections and understand a few plays will make the difference," Vrabel said. "Presented with the opportunity to make a play, that you're going to have to make it. That's kind of what we've done when we've won. Been able to turn the ball over, been able to take care of it."