For all the talk about Mike Vrabel coming in and revitalizing the New England Patriots - which he will most likely do, in fairness - the team's true success in 2025 hinges on one man: quarterback, Drake Maye.
A man that is seemingly rapidly improving, it would seem. After some encouraging and constructive words from offensive coordinator, Josh McDaniels, before the open practice started on Monday, Maye produced what was apparently his best form of OTAs so far, per Mass Live's Mark Daniels.
"After McDaniels spoke, Maye proved his offensive coordinator right." Daniels wrote, "The 22-year-old had his best practice of the spring, completing 87.5% (14-of-16) passes against the Patriots defense during competitive team drills. Out of his two incomplete passes, one was broken up by Jaylinn Hawkins, who made a nice play."
"The performance was night and day from what Maye looked like in the last two open practices. The quarterback was quick and decisive with his reads and threw accurate passes to every target other than one incomplete, which looked like it could’ve been a throwaway."
Perhaps just as importantly, Maye managed to complete passes to an impressive eight different receivers on the offense.
Jan 5, 2025; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) warms up before the start of the game against the Buffalo Bills at Gillette Stadium.
Drake Maye warming up before the final regular season game against the Buffalo Bills. January 5, 2025
David Butler II-Imagn Images
Ultimately, as we all know, Monday's practice was just that - practice. And OTA practice, rather than training camp, is far more about preparing the offensive and implementing the scheme rather than actively trying to go full pace and mimic more game-time situations, particularly for a team like New England who is getting in an entirely new head coach.
But it is hard for Patriots fans to not get excited when they hear that their core franchise piece; the next one up; is continuing to improve and hopefully turn into a high-end franchise quarterback.