The New England Patriots are already dealing with some controversy three games into the 2026 season.
After the Patriots were dismantled by the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 3, Greg Hill of WEEI Radio suggested that Mike Vrabel has an issue with Drake Maye. He brought up how Vrabel wasn’t on the Patriots when Maye was drafted in 2024.
“Despite what Mike Vrabel has said publicly, it goes back to Drake Maye not being his guy,” Hill said. “Mike Vrabel is a ‘his guy’ kind of coach. Since he’s got here, he’s gone out and got all of his guys.”
While speaking to the media Wednesday afternoon, Vrabel was asked about Hill’s latest report. The reigning Coach of the Year made it clear that he fully believes in Maye.
“Let me just tell you why I’m here,” Vrabel said. “I’m here because Drake was the quarterback. Believe it or not, I had choices to where I wanted to coach and I wanted to coach here because Drake was the quarterback.”
Corey Perrine/Florida Times‑Union.
Can Drake Maye return to his 2025 form?
Maye was exceptional for the Patriots in 2025, completing 72% of his passes for 4,394 yards with 31 touchdowns and eight interceptions. Although he struggled in the postseason, his sophomore campaign was rightfully viewed as a massive success.
Unfortunately for Maye, he’s already thrown six interceptions this season. His inability to take care of the football is a massive problem.
So why is Maye struggling this year? The Athletic’s Chad Graff believes Maye’s confidence is shot right now.
“What’s fallen apart with Maye looks like it’s between the ears as much as anything physical,” Graff said. “He looks like a quarterback whose confidence is shot.”
We’ll see if Maye silences his critics this Sunday against the Buffalo Bills.
