{"id":143525,"date":"2026-01-22T23:14:11","date_gmt":"2026-01-22T23:14:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=143525"},"modified":"2026-01-22T23:14:11","modified_gmt":"2026-01-22T23:14:11","slug":"update-new-england-patriots-head-coach-mike-vrabel-has-shared-a-fresh-update-on-wide-receiver-mack-hollins-status-his-comments-offer-new-insight-into-where-things-stand-as-the-team-prepare","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=143525","title":{"rendered":"Update!! New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel has shared a fresh update on wide receiver Mack Hollins\u2019 status. His comments offer new insight into where things stand as the team prepares for what\u2019s next."},"content":{"rendered":"
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Patriots Advance to AFC Championship as Mack Hollins\u2019 Status Remains Uncertain and Broncos Turn to Jarrett Stidham<\/h2>\n

\"Patriots<\/p>\n

The New England Patriots<\/strong> are one win away from the Super Bowl after grinding out an impressive Divisional Round playoff victory over the Houston Texans<\/strong> at Gillette Stadium. In a game defined by harsh weather, physical defense, and situational execution, Drake Maye<\/strong> and the Patriots did just enough to survive and advance.<\/p>\n

Now, New England\u2019s focus shifts west to Denver, where they will face the Broncos in the AFC Championship Game<\/strong> at Empower Field at Mile High<\/strong>\u2014one of the league\u2019s most challenging road environments. As preparations begin, two major storylines are emerging: the uncertain availability of wide receiver Mack Hollins<\/strong> and the Broncos\u2019 sudden quarterback change following Bo Nix\u2019s season-ending injury<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Patriots Survive Texans, Move One Step Closer to Super Bowl<\/h3>\n

New England\u2019s win over Houston was anything but easy. Battling freezing temperatures and a Texans defense that consistently pressured Maye, the Patriots leaned on discipline, timely plays, and situational football to escape with a hard-fought victory.<\/p>\n

The Patriots\u2019 defense played a critical role, limiting explosive plays and forcing Houston into uncomfortable third-down situations. Meanwhile, Maye showed poise beyond his years, avoiding major mistakes and delivering key throws when needed.<\/p>\n

With the victory, New England punched its ticket to the AFC Championship Game\u2014its deepest playoff run since the franchise began its post-Brady rebuild.<\/p>\n

Mack Hollins\u2019 Playing Status Remains Uncertain<\/h3>\n

\"Patriots<\/p>\n

As the Patriots prepare for Sunday\u2019s showdown in Denver, one key offensive piece remains in question: wide receiver Mack Hollins<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Head coach Mike Vrabel<\/strong> addressed Hollins\u2019 status during his Monday press conference, offering cautious optimism but no guarantees. When asked if he expected Hollins to practice this week, Vrabel responded:<\/p>\n

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\u201cI can\u2019t be certain right now. Still working through everything with some of those guys that could be back.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

That uncertainty leaves New England\u2019s offensive staff in wait-and-see mode.<\/p>\n

Hollins may not be a true No. 1 receiver, but his presence matters\u2014especially in playoff football. During the 2025 NFL regular season<\/strong>, Hollins appeared in 15 games<\/strong>, recording:<\/p>\n

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    46 receptions<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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    550 receiving yards<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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    2 touchdowns<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    His size, blocking ability, and experience provide stability in an offense led by a rookie quarterback. Against a Broncos defense that excels at pressuring the quarterback, Hollins\u2019 availability could play a meaningful role in extending drives and keeping Denver\u2019s pass rush honest.<\/p>\n

    Why Mack Hollins Matters Against the Broncos<\/h3>\n

    Denver\u2019s defensive identity is built on pressure and physicality. Their edge rushers, led by Nik Bonitto<\/strong> and Jonathon Cooper<\/strong>, consistently collapse pockets and force quarterbacks into rushed decisions.<\/p>\n

    Having a reliable veteran wideout like Hollins helps counter that pressure in multiple ways:<\/p>\n

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      Quick, physical routes to beat press coverage<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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      Willingness to block on the perimeter<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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      Veteran awareness in scramble drills<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      For a quarterback like Drake Maye, who will already be facing altitude, crowd noise, and postseason pressure, having a trusted target could prove invaluable.<\/p>\n

      Broncos Adjust After Bo Nix\u2019s Season-Ending Injury<\/h3>\n

      While the Patriots monitor Hollins\u2019 recovery, the Broncos are dealing with a far more dramatic change.<\/p>\n

      Following Denver\u2019s Divisional Round upset of the Buffalo Bills<\/strong>, head coach Sean Payton<\/strong> confirmed that rookie quarterback Bo Nix<\/strong> suffered a broken ankle and is out for the remainder of the season<\/strong>. The injury forces Denver to pivot to Jarrett Stidham<\/strong> as the starter in the AFC Championship Game.<\/p>\n

      The news reshapes the matchup entirely.<\/p>\n

      Nix had been instrumental in Denver\u2019s postseason run, providing mobility, improvisation, and confidence under pressure. With him sidelined, the Broncos will rely on Stidham\u2019s experience and familiarity with NFL systems to keep their Super Bowl hopes alive.<\/p>\n

      Mike Vrabel Shares His Thoughts on Jarrett Stidham<\/h3>\n

      Mike Vrabel is no stranger to Stidham\u2019s game. During his Monday media availability, the Patriots head coach spoke candidly about what he sees on film from the Broncos\u2019 new starting quarterback.<\/p>\n

      \u201cJust going back to when Josh [McDaniels] had him, I think he sees things really well,\u201d Vrabel said. \u201cHe\u2019s athletic enough to extend plays, and he\u2019s really decisive in the games that we went back and watched.\u201d<\/p>\n

      Vrabel\u2019s comments reflect respect rather than dismissal. Despite limited recent game action, Stidham has spent years preparing as a backup, studying defenses, and staying ready for moments exactly like this.<\/p>\n

      Vrabel on Facing a Former Patriots Quarterback<\/h3>\n

      Later, during an appearance on The Greg Hill Show<\/strong>, Vrabel expanded on the challenge of preparing for Stidham\u2014especially given his lack of recent live reps.<\/p>\n

      \u201cHe hasn\u2019t thrown a pass since 2023, so we\u2019ll have to kind of figure it out,\u201d Vrabel said. \u201cJosh has coached him. He\u2019s probably ready to go. Obviously he\u2019s preparing as a starter each and every week.\u201d<\/p>\n

      That uncertainty adds complexity to New England\u2019s defensive game plan. With limited recent film, the Patriots must prepare for multiple possibilities:<\/p>\n

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        A conservative, run-heavy Broncos offense<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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        Play-action concepts to simplify reads<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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        Designed movement to take advantage of Stidham\u2019s athleticism<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        Betting Odds and Expectations Heading Into AFC Championship<\/h3>\n

        Despite playing on the road at altitude, the Patriots have opened as 5.5-point favorites<\/strong> against the Broncos. The betting line reflects several key factors:<\/p>\n

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          Denver missing its starting quarterback<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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          New England\u2019s elite defense<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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          Drake Maye\u2019s steady postseason play<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          Still, Empower Field at Mile High remains one of the toughest venues in the NFL, especially in January. Crowd noise, thin air, and defensive intensity can quickly turn small mistakes into game-changing moments.<\/p>\n

          What to Watch on Sunday<\/h3>\n

          \"Patriots<\/p>\n

          As kickoff approaches, several questions will define the AFC Championship Game:<\/p>\n

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            Will Mack Hollins be available\u2014and effective?<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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            Can Drake Maye remain composed under heavy pressure?<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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            How aggressive will Sean Payton be with Jarrett Stidham?<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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            Can New England\u2019s defense force early turnovers?<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

            The answers will determine whether the Patriots complete their improbable run and return to the Super Bowl\u2014or if the Broncos overcome adversity to keep their own dream alive.<\/p>\n

            Final Thoughts<\/h3>\n

            The Patriots have already exceeded expectations this postseason, but the challenge only grows tougher in Denver. With injuries, quarterback changes, and high stakes in play, the AFC Championship Game promises tension, strategy, and unpredictability.<\/p>\n

            If New England can stay healthy, protect the football, and adapt to Denver\u2019s adjustments, they\u2019ll have a real chance to earn a trip to the Super Bowl\u2014one more step away from the finish line.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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            <\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

            Patriots Advance to AFC Championship as Mack Hollins\u2019 Status Remains Uncertain and Broncos Turn to Jarrett Stidham The New England Patriots are one win away from the… <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":143532,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-143525","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-nfl"],"yoast_head":"\nUpdate!! New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel has shared a fresh update on wide receiver Mack Hollins\u2019 status. 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