FOXBORO — Most of the Patriots’ players have been building toward Sunday’s playoff game since the spring, when they convened for the offseason workout program.

But head coach Mike Vrabel and the Patriots’ front office have also added players along the way to fill in depth on the 53-man roster and practice squad.

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Two of those players, running back Elijah Mitchell and linebacker Chad Muma, are relatively deep into their NFL careers and can provide a unique perspective on what they noticed about the buy-in and culure when they arrived.

“The buy-in’s definitely there, man,” Mitchell told the Herald. “I’ve been in the league for five years, man. They got what it takes. They got the players. Got to go put it together. That’s it.”

Mitchell would know. Selected by the 49ers in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft out of Louisiana, the running back made the postseason each of the first three years of his career, advancing to Super Bowl LVIII in 2023. He signed with the Patriots’ practice squad in late December after spending time with the Chiefs earlier this season.

Muma, who began his career with the Jaguars in 2022 as a third-round pick out of Wyoming, also joined the team in December, when he was signed of the Colts’ practice squad.

“It’s awesome to see the buy-in out here,” Muma told the Herald. “I think being on a few different teams now, and coming out here late in the season and coming right after the Buffalo loss, and seeing how this group really got together and honestly welcomed me into the locker room and allowed me to join the culture that has been built up here has been awesome, and it’s been great to be a part of.”

Mitchell and Muma have been particularly impressed with Vrabel as their head coach.

Vrabel helped turn the Patriots around from a team that went 4-13 in back-to-back seasons to a 14-3 squad that earned the No. 2 seed in the AFC.

“I think first and foremost, he holds everyone accountable,” Muma said. “That’s what I’ve noticed the most out here is when we’re studying for the game week, he’s holding everyone accountable. Doesn’t matter what position you are, where you’re at on the team as far as playing time, everyone’s held accountable to the same standard. Everyone’s preparing like they’re a starter. And at the same time, the players hold each other accountable. And Vrabes does a great job communicating to the whole team, what our objectives are each week. And I think that kind of helps people buy-in a little bit easier.”

Added Mitchell: “He’s an amazing coach, man. The way he do things and interact with the players and stuff. The way he stay on you. That’s huge.”

It’s not hard to see why the Patriots have been successful this season. They take on the Chargers on Sunday night at 8 p.m.