Patriots coach Mike Vrabel is hard on his players, but after every game, win or lose, he greets them alone in the tunnel and thanks them.

That’s how Mike Vrabel has described Sunday’s showdown with the Bills, a perfectly timed visit as the Patriots try to end Buffalo’s five-year reign as AFC East champions. If the Pats win, they clinch the division.

If you traveled through the New England Patriots media landscape this week, chances are you came across this at some point: Mike Vrabel went a perfect 6-0 coming off a bye week during his time as head coach of the Tennessee Titans, and will have a chance to improve to 7-0 this Sunday against the Buffalo Bills.

Mike Vrabel 'heartbroken' for former teammate Kevin Faulk and his wife Latisha, who are dealing with the loss of a second daughter.

FOXBOROUGH — Patriots coach Mike Vrabel opened his Wednesday press conference with a note of support for the family of Patriots Hall of Famer Kevin Faulk.

Patriots coach Mike Vrabel commented briefly on injured offensive tackle Will Campbell's injury and recovery status.

No teams have clinched berths in the postseason yet, but the Patriots will have a chance to do that and more in Week 15.

Any of these seven candidates could be considered worthy of the award, but the Patriots' and 49ers' coaches have the strongest case.