Drake Maye
Getty
New England Patriots QB Drake Maye
The New England Patriots have a new coaching staff after releasing former head coach Jerod Mayo, who went 4-13 in his only season at the helm of the franchise. The Patriots hired former Coach of the Year winner Mike Vrabel to lead the team and return to the Patriot way.
Vrabel brought Josh McDaniels, who returns to the Patriots for a third time, to become the offensive coordinator.
With a new coaching staff and an offensive scheme to work with, quarterback Drake Maye will have to learn a new system in back-to-back seasons in the NFL.
Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox names the Patriots’ new system as the biggest problem ahead of the team’s season opener against the Las Vegas Raiders.
“The Patriots sophomore quarterback is looking to build on a promising rookie campaign, but he’s dealing with an entirely new offensive system under Josh McDaniels, an entirely new offensive line featuring two rookies (one of whom, Will Campbell, is now dealing with an ankle injury), a new head coach (Mike Vrabel) and a new No. 1 receiver in Stefon Diggs,” Knox wrote.
“That could do a number on Maye early on, especially if the league has been watching his tape and learning his tendencies… This could ultimately be a good thing, as most of these changes are logical and represent potential improvements in vacuums. But it may take some time, especially if Campbell is less than 100 percent. That line may need some serious time.”
Drake Maye On Working With McDaniels
Josh McDaniels Drake Maye
GettyNew England Patriots OC Josh McDaniels (left) and QB Drake Maye (right)
Drake Maye appears to have no complaints about learning a new scheme and has praised his new offensive coordinator during spring training.
“So far, with McDaniels, it’s been awesome,” Maye said, via MassLive. “I think his way – he’s been an offensive coordinator and head coach. He does it at a high level. The stuff works. Kind of the proof is in the pudding. He’s coached a lot of different guys. He coached the best ever do it.”
“So, it’s pretty cool getting to watch the old things of Tom, and seeing how he does it. A bunch of different guys play at a high level in the offense and not just Tom. So, it’s been cool to watch and learn the ways and learn the ins and outs of it.”
Maye has mentioned that former offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt wouldn’t speak to him through the headset. Now, under McDaniels, Maye has said he has been receiving more information.
McDaniels said that Maye will go through a “period of adjustment” to learn the offense and that it won’t be a big deal.
Expectations Too High For Patriots
Head coach Mike Vrabel of the New England Patriots
GettyHead coach Mike Vrabel of the New England Patriots
The New England Patriots appear to improve from the 4-13 record they had last season, but are the expectations too high for the organization?
The Patriots spent over $200 million in the 2025 Free Agency to help the team and were given a high grade for their 2025 NFL Draft class.
Analysts, writers and sports hosts believe New England can return to the playoffs after a three-year drought.
While things are looking bright in Foxborough, the expectations heading into Mike Vrabel’s first year should be lowered in case the season were to go sideways.