Vrabel Denies Maye Rift
New England Patriots Coach Mike Vrabel Firmly Denies Any Rift With Quarterback Drake Maye
Anonymous
The New England Patriots began the 2026 season 1-2, with quarterback Drake Maye throwing one touchdown and six interceptions and losing a fumble through three games. WEEI host Greg Hill reported an unverified claim from an unnamed insider that Maye and coach Mike Vrabel were at odds and that Maye was not Vrabel’s preferred quarterback. Vrabel forcefully denied a strained relationship, saying he chose to coach New England because Maye was the quarterback. Vrabel has publicly criticized Maye’s early decision-making while also defending him; Maye was an MVP runner-up last season. The Patriots’ poor start and looming game against Buffalo could intensify scrutiny of both, while reports also cited Vrabel’s offseason distractions as a possible source of pressure.
Key Points
1
In his first season under Vrabel and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, Maye threw for 4,394 yards and 31 touchdowns with eight interceptions, while New England went 14-3.
2
The Patriots’ 1-2 start included a 35-6 blowout loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
3
Vrabel had interviewed with the Jets and Bears before taking the Patriots job, according to the Boston.com report.
4
New England also has the Las Vegas Raiders on its schedule after Buffalo; the Raiders, like the Bills, were described as undefeated at the time of the report.
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