Head Coach Mike Vrabel is at work on the field with his 2025 Patriots in summer camp. After spending months as the de facto general manager assembling a roster far superior to that which entered 2024, Vrabel is now working his magic to prepare his team for their first game against the Raiders in September.
Vrabel did a masterful job in transforming a lackluster 2024 roster into a competitive group in 2025. Although some players return, not much else in terms of attitude, attention to football details, and on-field priorities remains the same. Almost everything has changed.
One aspect that has not, is the team's starting quarterback and most important player, Drake Maye. Despite overwhelming odds against him, Maye still turned in a sterling rookie season in 2024. Without an offensive line or a top NFL receiver, he still managed to complete 66 percent of his passes and throw for 15 touchdowns with only 10 interceptions while also running for over 400 yards.
Drake Maye is out to improve like everyone else
Drake Maye, like every other returnee this season, is looking to improve his game. The 2024 Patriots team wasn't good enough. While the addition of the bevy of new players will help immensely, the returning players also need to up their game. Maye is no exception.
Alex Barth of 98.5 The Sports Hub quoted Drake Maye in an effort to determine what he wants to add to his "new in his toolbox" for the upcoming season.
Drake Maye asked what’s ‘new in his toolbox’ that he worked on this offseason:
— Alex Barth (@RealAlexBarth) July 23, 2025
“Remaining a passer longer when I scramble.”
Also mentioned footwork in general
It's an interesting comment by the now second-year quarterback. Last season, Maye was an unprepared rookie due to his team's mismanagement of his development. He didn't receive any first-team reps until about Week 4 of the season. Instead, they went to journeyman backup, Jacoby Brissett, and that was that for the 2024 season.
His lack of preparedness, combined with the fact that he had a terrible offensive line and a bottom-of-the-NFL receiving corps, led to his being forced to head for the sidelines far too often in 2024. In actuality, the problem wasn't Maye, but rather his non-supporting cast that was the issue.
Drake Maye did what he had to in 2024
Maye's attempt to take responsibility for the team's lack of performance last season is laudable. It shows great character and a desire to shoulder the burden for his teammates. It's something Patriot Nation should relish. It's a trait of true leadership and bodes well for the future.
The young quarterback ran in 2024 because he had to. That he didn't throw was because none of his receivers could get open. Regardless, looking to sharpen up even an area that was not really amiss is a good thing. It shows that he is looking to fine-tune every aspect of his game. That's not even an aspect that needs much tuning, and it also makes a statement.
That statement is that Maye's game is not far from the top level of the NFL right now. Brushing off all of the negatives in 2024, he still managed to turn in a solid season and was a Pro Bowl participant. Now with an upgraded offensive line in place, along with a far better receiving corps, the expectations are high for 2025. There will be no sophomore slump for Maye.
Expect Drake Maye to complete over 70 percent of his passes easily in 2025. He'll throw for more than 3200 yards with 30 touchdowns and limit his interceptions to about 12. This will result because he now has the preparation he lacked in 2024; he has a top offensive coaching staff to run things, and has a supporting cast that can win. Maye will lead the Patriots to the playoffs in 2025. Bank on it.