SANTA CLARA, Calif. — As the New England Patriots continued to rack up wins late in the regular season, coach Mike Vrabel shied away from mentioning the idea of a Super Bowl run when he spoke to his team after games.
New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel talks to the media during a news conference Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026, in Santa Clara, Calif., ahead of the Super Bowl 60 NFL football game between the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye watches a drill during practice ahead of the Super Bowl 60 NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026, in Stanford, Calif. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
New England Patriots cornerback Carlton Davis III and cornerback Christian Gonzalez celebrate their win after the AFC Championship NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026, in Denver. (AP Photo/Garrett W. Ellwood)
During the regular season, Smith-Njigba set a team record for yards receiving and receptions in a single season en route to landing on The AP's 2025 NFL All-Pro first team.
New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel talks to the media during a news conference Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026, in Santa Clara, Calif., ahead of the Super Bowl 60 NFL football game between the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye watches a drill during practice ahead of the Super Bowl 60 NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026, in Stanford, Calif. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
New England Patriots cornerback Carlton Davis III and cornerback Christian Gonzalez celebrate their win after the AFC Championship NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026, in Denver. (AP Photo/Garrett W. Ellwood)