For Vrabel, there's an uncanny resemblance between watching Drake Maye operate in the pocket to watching Steph Curry sink three-pointers. The New England Patriots head coach finds himself mesmerized by the quarterback's ability to throw with accuracy from various angles, a skill that defies conventional coaching methods.
"It's like watching Steph Curry shoot threes," Vrabel remarks. "You're like, how'd that just go in? I don't know. But he didn't have his feet square, he extends, he slides, he gets out...he's off-platform, he's on one foot and he's really accurate."
Vrabel acknowledges that Maye's athleticism initially took him by surprise, but the quarterback's ability to throw with accuracy from different positions has been a game-changer for the team. With his high completion percentage of 72 and impressive passer rating of 113.5, Maye has established himself as one of the most polished young signal-callers in football.
Vrabel praises Josh McDaniels' role in developing Maye's skills, stating that the quarterback coach has helped improve many aspects of the game beyond just athleticism. Vrabel believes that while Maye cannot replace Brady or Belichick's Patriots dynasty, he is part of a new chapter for the franchise and values the progress they've made.
Under Vrabel's leadership, the Patriots have become one of the top stories in the 2025 NFL season, launching their return to contention in the post-Tom Brady era. With Maye at the helm, the team has shown promising signs, including a first 14-win campaign since 2016 and their first AFC East division title since 2019.
As Vrabel navigates his new role with the Patriots, he emphasizes the importance of accountability among players, stating that this ability is crucial to winning football's ultimate prize. While he doesn't want to do everything himself, he believes in empowering the team leaders to take charge and hold their teammates accountable.
With Maye leading the team into the AFC Championship Game, Vrabel's comments highlight the significance of young quarterback development and accountability in achieving success in the NFL.
"It's like watching Steph Curry shoot threes," Vrabel remarks. "You're like, how'd that just go in? I don't know. But he didn't have his feet square, he extends, he slides, he gets out...he's off-platform, he's on one foot and he's really accurate."
Vrabel acknowledges that Maye's athleticism initially took him by surprise, but the quarterback's ability to throw with accuracy from different positions has been a game-changer for the team. With his high completion percentage of 72 and impressive passer rating of 113.5, Maye has established himself as one of the most polished young signal-callers in football.
Vrabel praises Josh McDaniels' role in developing Maye's skills, stating that the quarterback coach has helped improve many aspects of the game beyond just athleticism. Vrabel believes that while Maye cannot replace Brady or Belichick's Patriots dynasty, he is part of a new chapter for the franchise and values the progress they've made.
Under Vrabel's leadership, the Patriots have become one of the top stories in the 2025 NFL season, launching their return to contention in the post-Tom Brady era. With Maye at the helm, the team has shown promising signs, including a first 14-win campaign since 2016 and their first AFC East division title since 2019.
As Vrabel navigates his new role with the Patriots, he emphasizes the importance of accountability among players, stating that this ability is crucial to winning football's ultimate prize. While he doesn't want to do everything himself, he believes in empowering the team leaders to take charge and hold their teammates accountable.
With Maye leading the team into the AFC Championship Game, Vrabel's comments highlight the significance of young quarterback development and accountability in achieving success in the NFL.