Mike Vrabel calls Broncos defense ‘best’ the Patriots have faced thus far

New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel gave the Denver Broncos defense some praise earlier this week.

But perhaps with a little bit of a caveat.

Vrabel met with the Boston media for his first press conference before the Broncos and Patriots will do battle in the AFC Championship game on Sunday.

The game is at Empower Field at Mile High, a place the Patriots have struggled historically in the postseason. New England is 0-4 all-time in playoff games in Denver.

And the defense they faced in 2015 was historically good, helping the Broncos knock off the Patriots and then win Super Bowl 50. This year’s bunch has drawn some comparisons to that group and Mike Vrabel paid them high compliments.

His answer starts around the 7:00 minute mark in the video below.

“It will be the best defense that we’ve played to date, because it’s the next one. That’s just how this goes, they’re playing with a lot of confidence,” Mike Vrabel said.

Because it’s the next one is a little curious. That answer started off promising, but then Vrabel reverted to coach speak. He’s basically saying this is the toughest challenge because it’s the Broncos standing between the Patriots and another Super Bowl appearance.

“They’re good on the perimeter, really good up front. The athleticism, they have size, they put a lot of pressure on you. So, it’s just how this thing goes. Each and every week they get tougher,” Vrabel said.

Technically, the Houston Texans defense was No. 1 in the NFL this year. New England handled them in the divisional round, but got a lot of help from its own defense. Texans QB C.J. Stroud had a miserable day.

Meanwhile, the Broncos forced five turnovers by the Buffalo Bills in an epic OT victory. Superstar QB Josh Allen had four of them, throwing two interceptions and losing two fumbles.

With Denver having to go to backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham because Bo Nix broke his ankle, they’ll need the defense to come up huge once again.

Mike Vrabel gave them their flowers, knowing whoever wins the showdown between the Broncos defense and Patriots offense is likely bound for Santa Clara.

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