Drake Maye just passed the Patriots' test that once broke Mac Jones

Jul 23, 2025; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) runs out to the practice fields for day one of training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
Jul 23, 2025; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) runs out to the practice fields for day one of training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images | Eric Canha-Imagn Images

The Patriots' 2025 season is going to be a very telling one, led by Mike Vrabel and his impressive staff, along with the second-year progression of quarterback Drake Maye. There will inevitably be a lot of pressure on him to build upon what he managed to accomplish as a rookie, especially since he has a much better offensive team around him this year.

On top of improving his in-game performance, Maye also needs to assert himself as a leader of not only the offense, but the team in general. It was one of the criticisms that continued to arise throughout the 2024 season, with the assumption being that his young age played a role in his slight reluctance to become more vocal.

With Vrabel in the building now, that will not be a concern moving forward, as Maye is already establishing himself as a leader already, with his head coach crediting him for what he's done before the first day of training camp on Wednesday.

The quarterback made headlines in the weeks leading up to summer practices by organizing a trip for several of his teammates to build chemistry and work on some drills. That has already made an impact, with Vrabel being just one of many emphasizing Maye's growth this offseason.

It's an aspect that was lacking with those given the green light to be the next QB1, especially when looking back on Mac Jones' time in New England. That's what makes Maye's rise to stardom even more exciting, as the Patriots finally have the leader they have been missing offensively.

Drake Maye is quickly becoming the kind of leader the Patriots offense needs

After a successful first day of training camp, one that saw Maye miss just one completion, some of his teammates couldn't help but speak highly of the work the quarterback has accomplished even before practice began.

That was the case with wide receiver DeMario Douglas, who credited Maye for the growth he's made into becoming the leader of the offense.

It's clear that whatever Maye is doing, on and off the field, is making a strong impact on his teammates and the coaches. We'll start to see what they're talking about as training camp continues and the preseason begins, which is another exciting element for fans to look forward to.

The quarterback is expected to be their next franchise player, after struggling to find the right player for the job since Tom Brady left the team in 2020. It's so far, so good with Maye, and if he can continue to develop into the player most analysts believe he can be, then the Patriots are in the best hands possible and could be legitimate competitors sooner rather than later.

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