The New England Patriots celebrated their first win of the season on Sunday, but not without some tension regarding their quarterback. Head coach Mike Vrabel faced questions about Drake Maye’s performance after a 20-3 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Boston Globe reporter Ben Volin pressed Vrabel on his concerns about Maye. The coach responded firmly, refusing to let questions spoil the win. Reporter Greg Bedard joined the inquiry, leading Vrabel to emphasize his focus on the positives of the victory.
The concerns stem from Maye’s recent struggles. In Sunday’s game, he completed 14 of 22 passes for 208 yards without any touchdown. Though he linked with Romeo Doubs for a long gain, the offensive struggled.
The defense carried much of the team’s success, limiting Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers to minimal scoring. Key plays included TreVeyon Henderson’s touchdown run and Christian Barmore’s strip sack of Rodgers that resulted in a defensive touchdown.
Despite the win, questions about Maye linger due to his inconsistent performance. Against the Seattle Seahawks in the season opener, he threw three interceptions, contributing to a defeat after a 10-point lead was lost.
Maye’s stats reveal a drop compared to his performance last year. In the 2025 season, he threw for over 4,000 yards, with 31 touchdowns, and was an MVP contender. Yet this season, he has managed just one touchdown and four interceptions over two games.
Vrabel’s enjoyment of the win is understandable following a tough start. The early season offers time to address these challenges. However, Maye’s ability to regain last season’s form remains crucial for the Patriots.