‘Never been a happier bleeder’ – Mike Vrabel injured in celebration after historic playoff win

Jan 12, 2026 - 05:30

Drake Maye and the New England Patriots are still marching on.

New England is advancing in the playoffs for the first time since its Super Bowl run in the 2018 season.

The Patriots defeated the No. 7-seeded Los Angeles Chargers 16–3 on Sunday night, powered by a dominant defensive performance.

New England’s pass rushers recorded six sacks against Justin Herbert, taking advantage of a Chargers line missing Pro Bowl tackles Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt.

The victory marked the Patriots’ first playoff win since their Super Bowl LIII triumph over the Rams.

Maye recovered from a somewhat rough first half to finish with 334 total yards, including a season-high 66 rushing yards. Tight end Hunter Henry scored the game’s lone touchdown against his former team, giving the Patriots a lead they would not relinquish.

In the final moments, after Patriots defender Milton Williams sealed the win with a sack, he celebrated by smashing his helmet into head coach Mike Vrabel’s face.

“[Mike Vrabel] tried to kiss Milton Williams, and he’s bleeding, and there’s never been a happier bleeder!” Cris Collinsworth joked on the broadcast.

Williams busted Vrabel’s lip just a bit.

Following the game, Vrabel commented, “We talked about being willing to spill blood out there … and Milton took that to heart.”

It’s a milestone for the Patriots, as this is their first playoff win with a quarterback not named Tom Brady since 1997.

New England will take on whichever team wins Monday’s game between the Steelers and Texans.

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - JANUARY 11: Hunter Henry #85 of the New England Patriots celebrates after scoring a touchdown during an NFL wild card playoff game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Gillette Stadium on January 11, 2026 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images) — Henry scored the game’s only touchdown

Williams accidentally nailed Vrabel in the face[/caption]

Meanwhile, for the Chargers, it’s more of the same and back to the drawing board.

They are eliminated in the Wild Card round for the third time in the last four seasons.

Head coach Jim Harbaugh remains in pursuit of his first postseason win with the Chargers, having yet to secure a playoff victory since 2013 during his previous tenure as the San Francisco 49ers’ head coach.

Herbert is now 0-3 in his playoff career and will head into Year 7 still without a single playoff win.

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