For the New England Patriots, Mike Vrabel and Drake Maye there is just one elusive rung left on the ladder – one brutally elusive, all-consuming final step.
The quest to get there starts on Wednesday in Seattle.
Coach and quarterback got a sweet little boost on Friday when CBS Sports placed the tandem at No. 4 in the rankings of the National Football League’s 32 teams.
Right behind three champions
Only the Rams’ Sean McVay/Matthew Stafford, Kansas City’s Andy Reid/Patrick Mahomes and Seattle’s Mike MacDonald/Sam Darnold placed ahead of the Patriots. Green Bay’s Matt LaFleur/Jordan Love placed right behind them to round out the top 5.
How could Maye and Vrabel move forward? Well, a return trip to the Super Bowl and a win this time around would certainly do it.
Can they move forward again?
Considering how the two together transformed the Patriots a year ago, it’s a mighty big ask.
Maye’s progression and a bona fide receiver room bolstered by A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs could be the key.
The quarterback seems to have gained ground exponentially in the offseason.
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Maye has room to improve
“(You can see in him) just more comfort in what we are doing, more command, more understanding to be able to operate and get us into the best play,” said Vrabel of his quarterback. “I think there is probably a comfort level, and once you know your job really, really well, you can help other people do their job, and hopefully that is the case where he is sharing details of the play with guys that are in there or is getting guys lined up or making sure that we are legal, or the timing of the motions.
“I think as you understand, your knowledge increases, hopefully the details do as well.”
Maye has been eager to delve into Josh McDaniels’ offense for the second straight year.
Doubs, Brown could hold key
The upgrade from Stefon Diggs and Kayshon Boutte to Brown and Doubs will certainly be gauged throughout the season.
“I think anytime a receiver like that, who carries that much weight, and just finding ways to get him the football, and like I said, all the time, I try to get the ball into their hands because they make me look good, and that is the number one thing with A.J.,” said Maye. “He has made a lot of plays in his career.”
