by The overwhelming score in favor of New England did not translate into Mike Vrabel’s postgame thoughts in a preseason opener where a number of Patriots players flourished as New England easily defeated Washington, 48-18.
At least in regards to Drake Maye, the team’s starting quarterback.
The head coach of New England was not pleased with his quarterback’s strip-sack and accompanying fumble on his opening drive of the evening on Friday, despite his constant lecturing over the summer about the value of limiting turnovers.
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After the game, Vrabel stated, “I think that’s a bad decision and I think we’re going to need better from him and I think he knows that and I think that’s obvious.” wasn’t present, therefore we simply need to figure out how to get rid of the football or play defense by taking a sack and punting. To their credit, though, the defense forced a field goal, which I believe was missed. However, it was an opportunity for abrupt transformation.
The inexperienced quarterback’s choice to try to prolong the play rather than accept a sack or throw the ball away was a mistake, even if a misunderstanding between rookies Will Campbell and Jared Wilson caused pressure to quickly mount on Maye.
Vrabel was questioned about Maye’s growth and the expectations placed on the best player on the New England roster during his appearance on WEEI’s The Greg Hill Show on Monday morning.
Maye’s decision-making and execution, both on the practice field and in game conditions, are not expected to be perfect, the Patriots’ new head coach admitted.
However, Vrabel noted that Maye will be closely watched this season as the team’s coaching staff works to improve the weaknesses in his game as he attempts to establish a new standard in Foxborough and develop a new leadership group in New England.
Regarding Maye, Vrabel stated, “It is expected that he is leading this football team.” That is the quarterback’s and head coach’s responsibility. This is essentially how it works. Additionally, he is unable to take days off.
Even though the performance may not always be exceptional, the leadership and mannerisms must be. And he’s probably learning that. I appreciate that he is eager to learn, push himself, and attempt to achieve those things to the point where he demands of everyone and ensures that everyone is in agreement.
Maye, who threw for 15 touchdowns and 2,276 yards over 13 games last season and gained 421 yards on the ground with two rushing touchdowns, was one of the few bright spots on an otherwise dreary Patriots attack.
However, as a rookie, Maye also committed 10 interceptions and lost two fumbles, making him prone to turnovers.
Vrabel stated that New England’s redesigned squad cannot be hampered by the same mistakes that halted drives and sapped momentum in 2024 and the prior years under Mac Jones, as the Patriots seek to reestablish themselves as serious contenders in the AFC.
You remember how we discussed avoiding the roller coaster? “Oh,” Vrabel said. Roller coasters travel up, down, and occasionally they become stuck, which puts you in serious danger. Therefore, we’re attempting to avoid the roller coaster and simply keep improving the consistency of our beneficial actions.
In order for Maye to advance in his development throughout the 2025 season, a lot will be expected of him.
With veteran offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels back in the fold, Vrabel emphasized that the Patriots have also created an atmosphere in Foxborough that should support Maye during the anticipated growing pains that lie ahead.
Regarding McDaniels’ presence and his history of tailoring offensives to his quarterback’s talents, Vrabel remarked, “It’s definitely essential to coaching.” Additionally, we ask our coaches to simply work on player development. And the most crucial point, in my opinion, is that while you should incorporate other players’ testimonies, you must also be cautious about how you present them.
Verifying if it’s comparable and that they can recognize the similarities—perhaps you’re attempting to use someone as an example? Additionally, he has tutored a variety of players in addition to Tom Brady. However, I believe this technique can be very helpful in developing other young quarterbacks.
Since 2023, Conor Ryan has worked as a staff writer for Boston.com, covering the Boston Bruins, Celtics, Patriots, and Red Sox.
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