Patriots quarterback Drake Maye isn't letting outside noise create a quarterback controversy — or a coach controversy. On Wednesday, Maye addressed rumors of a fractured relationship with head coach Mike Vrabel, and he didn't mince words.
"Coach Vrabel's been one of the best football coaches I've had in my life," Maye said, via the team's transcript. "I think Coach Vrabel's been one of the biggest things as to why this has been so enjoyable for me is playing for Coach. I think we all feel that way in the locker room. He pushes us hard. I've loved playing for him, and it's not going to change."
The speculation gained traction during Wednesday's edition of Greg Hill's WEEI Radio show, where Hill suggested the two weren't on the same page. "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."
But Maye shot that down, praising Vrabel's coaching style and the way he mentors quarterbacks. "The way he pushes me, and he coaches the quarterbacks in a way that I really respect, and I'm looking forward to getting going, proving to Coach that I can lead this football team and play good football," Maye said.
Vrabel has also publicly backed his young quarterback, even as Maye's numbers have dipped. Earlier this week on The Greg Hill Show, Vrabel used a golf analogy to explain Maye's struggles. "I think quarterbacks want to make plays. They want to throw touchdowns," Vrabel said. "I think sometimes when Greg and I go golfing, we really want to make a good score, right? … we try to choke the life out of the golf club, and we're squeezing it so damn tight that the ball has no choice but to go sideways. We need to stop trying to choke the life out of every single play. We need to relax."
Maye's performance has been under a microscope during the Patriots' 1-2 start. He's thrown more interceptions and completed fewer passes than expected, fueling criticism from fans and analysts. But Vrabel's confidence hasn't wavered, and Maye appreciates the support.
"It hasn't changed, and it won't change," Maye said of his bond with Vrabel. "I'm looking forward to getting going, proving to Coach that I can lead this football team and play good football."
For now, the only thing Maye wants to prove is that he can be the quarterback New England needs — and that his relationship with Vrabel is as solid as ever. As the Patriots prepare for their next matchup, Maye and Vrabel are focused on one thing: getting back in the win column.
