New England Patriots - NESN.com
Drake Maye will continue to learn during his second NFL season. Through those ebbs and flows, New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel needs consistency from his quarterback in one key area.
Vrabel conducted a radio interview Monday morning on WEEI’s “The Greg Hill Show” following New England’s 48-18 preseason win over the Washington Commanders. The former Pats linebacker discussed the importance of Maye cementing himself as a reliable leader.
“The expectation is that he’s leading this football team,” Vrabel said. “That’s what the job of the head coach and the quarterback is. That’s pretty much how this thing goes. And that he can’t take days off.
“I mean, sometimes the performance isn’t going to be extraordinary, but the leadership and the demeanor has to be. And I think he’s learning that. I love the fact that he’s willing to learn and push and try to do those things to where he’s demanding of everybody and making sure that everybody’s on the same page.”
Maye completed three of five passes for just 12 yards on Friday, but he used his athleticism to break off an 11-yard run before scrambling for a five-yard rushing touchdown on New England’s second drive. However, the first possession ended when he held the ball too long and fumbled on a strip sack.
Vrabel, who criticized the quarterback’s “bad decision” after the game, viewed the preseason miscue as a valuable lesson for Maye. He wants the 22-year-old to avoid forcing the issue and risking costly turnovers.
“Sometimes we just can’t try to make plays because they turn into bad ones,” Vrabel said. “I think he’ll learn from it and understand, OK. I’m not going to be able to play Superman all the time, and I can reserve the right to punt and help this football team flip the field, go play defense and get another crack at it.”
Maye has inspired high hopes for a second-year breakout, and his maturation under center could determine how far the Patriots go in 2025. They’ll continue their preseason on the road against the Minnesota Vikings this Saturday at 1 p.m. ET.
