If New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye needed a shot of confidence, he got one on Wednesday from his coach Mike Vrabel.
Immediately dismissing a report from WEEI-FM morning show host Greg Hill that stated that Vrabel had an issue with the quarterback, the coach stated, “I’m here because Drake was the quarterback. Believe it or not, I had choices as to where I wanted to coach.
“I wanted to coach here because Drake was the quarterback. So, I don’t have really much other to add to that about a comment from an unnamed source. But I’ll just tell you what I’ve told numerous people if they want to ask me why I’m here.”
Struggles are immense
Maye has struggled more than he has at any other time in his pro career.
Going back to the playoffs last year, he has now thrown 10 interceptions with seven touchdown passes and nine fumbles in seven games. His passer rating sits at 58.6 this year through three games.
Vrabel knows the North Carolina product but he’s also ready to stand behind Maye in these tough times.
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“I think you have to be willing to go through some difficult times. Again, you put everything you have into each week, whether you’re on the road or you’re at home. If you lose, you have to quickly try to get back to neutral and then figure out who you have available the next week,” said Vrabel.
“So, adversity comes during the week, it comes during the game, it’s going to always be in front of us. I don’t think we can eliminate it. It’s like distractions – there are things that you just have to be able to handle. Again, preparing and improving are the biggest things.”
Back to work, get ready for Bills
Maye and the team went back to practice on Wednesday afternoon in preparation for Sunday’s showdown in Buffalo.
A year ago, Maye and his top 2025 Stefon Diggs enjoyed a coming-out party in Orchard Park at the Bills’ expense, outdueling Josh Allen in a 23-20 New England win.
Maye threw for 273 yards without a turnover and Diggs caught 10 balls for 146 yards as the team used that win to springboard to 3-2 on the way to the AFC East title.
