New England Patriots
“He is like a mini-inspiration.”
SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Drake Maye had a “second-year leap” for the ages in 2025.
Contemporary off a rookie season the place he showcased a few of his playmaking prowess — together with a number of anticipated warts — Maye was anticipated to take a step ahead in Mike Vrabel’s first 12 months on the helm in New England.
As a substitute, Maye established himself as a reputable MVP candidate, commanding one of the environment friendly and explosive offenses within the NFL and placing the Patriots one win away from a Tremendous Bowl title.
Vrabel was candid on Wednesday when requested when he realized that Maye was going to be a particular expertise within the NFL ranks.
“I feel I in all probability realized that earlier than I obtained right here,” Vrabel acknowledged. “That’s a big a part of the rationale that I needed to be right here. There have been performs in coaching camp and issues that he did, whether or not his — I feel the factor was the accuracy exterior of the pocket or on the transfer, I touched on it, the way in which he performs the place, he has an athletic nature to the way in which that he performs the place. So, I feel that’s considerably distinctive.
“I feel that everyone has a special ability set, and he’s snug within the pocket. I feel his skill to switch up into the pocket to make strikes, to make throws off platform and completely different angles, has been spectacular.”
Maye’s skill to make use of his legs to increase performs has made him a longtime dual-threat choice for New England, whereas his skill to generate explosive performs with out getting knocked for a number of turnovers has made him a nightmare matchup for many opposing defenses.
Stefon Diggs can attest to Maye’s skill to drop the soccer within the bucket, particularly in tight home windows and heaves down the sphere.
Diggs has thrived in his first season in New England, changing into the primary Patriots pass-catcher to report greater than 1,000 receiving yards in a single season since 2019.
However, the primary time that the veteran wideout realized that Maye was going to be a pressure was in October 2024 — when Diggs was nonetheless a member of the Houston Texans.
Whereas Houston left Foxborough with a 41-21 victory, Diggs was impressed with what he noticed from Maye, who made his first official NFL begin in that bout with a gifted Texans protection.
“It was loopy,” Diggs stated. “He obtained like a mini standing ovation when he went out. It was one among his first video games entering into. He confirmed a number of promise. He made some throws. He was operating round. I clearly keep in mind a ball he threw Kayshon Boutte within the again nook to the appropriate, a landing. I used to be like, “He can spin it a bit bit.”
Maye’s athleticism and arm energy have been well-established, particularly throughout this spectacular turnaround season in New England. However for Diggs, what actually stands out about his quarterback goes past his bodily instruments.
“His maturation course of is second to none,” Diggs stated. “Among the finest I’ve ever seen from a quarterback place. He’s nonetheless tremendous younger, which is loopy. He’s had a number of success, however as I’ve grown nearer to him, I’m an enormous fan of him. He’s like a mini-inspiration.
“To be that younger, be that mature and be capable of play at a excessive degree is one thing that I at all times needed once I was a younger participant. I’m simply completely happy to be part of this factor.”
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