Simply as New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel had accomplished all through his staff’s shock run to the NFL’s greatest stage, he made positive he was the primary particular person to supply hugs to his gamers as they exited the sphere following Sunday’s Super Bowl loss to the Seattle Seahawks.
Sure, the Patriots fell wanting capturing a document seventh Lombardi Trophy.
However this season they confirmed that they’ve the coach, quarterback and the tradition in place to proceed to place this model of the franchise in place so as to add one other one quickly.
“That’s what motivates you,” Maye mentioned. “That’s what we discuss within the locker room. That’s what fuels you.“
When Patriots proprietor Robert Kraft got down to course-correct after firing Jerod Mayo only a 12 months into his effort to succeed Invoice Belichick, he mentioned solely that he wished to discover a coach that might put the staff in place to qualify for the playoffs in brief order.
Enter Vrabel, who helped put collectively a roster that reworked the protection and put some much-needed playmaking capacity round second-year quarterback Drake Maye.
That included bringing again a well-recognized face in offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels to present Maye not solely somebody he may be taught from, however that he may belief.
The outcome was an everyday season through which Maye was given the scheme and freedom to be himself. He used it to place collectively a season the place he was the league’s best passer on the way in which to ending second in MVP voting.
The run introduced again goodwill with an impatient Patriots fan base that grew to become used to being within the Tremendous Bowl combine throughout the period led by Tom Brady and Belichick.
They only have to make some changes, notably on the offensive line, following a poor Tremendous Bowl efficiency.
But it surely’s a process the gamers are able to assault for a coach who has proven them what is feasible in New England once more.
What’s working
The most important factor Maye leaves this season with is confidence. He drilled down on discovering the stability between not “being a check-down Charlie” and throwing the deep ball.
He’s now in a position to maintain defenses off stability and has the receivers who can flip shorter routes into lengthy positive aspects.
What wants assist
The offensive line made some strides from Maye’s rookie season when he was sacked 34 instances. However that quantity elevated to 47 this season following the addition of veteran proper deal with Morgan Moses and rookie left guard Jared Wilson. And a Tremendous Bowl the place Maye was sacked six instances confirmed there’s nonetheless want for enchancment. Search for it to be a spotlight this offseason.
Refill
Patriots rookie working again TreVeyon Henderson confirmed why the Patriots felt he was worthy of a second-round choose. Whereas he was a legal responsibility in cross safety at instances, with 4 speeding TDs of greater than 50 yards he added a wanted dimension to the offense.
Inventory down
Rookie left deal with Will Campbell promised to combat and die to guard Maye when he was drafted at No. 4 in 2025. However a change to protect may very well be so as after he gave up a Tremendous Bowl-record 14 pressures.
Accidents
Maye didn’t miss a begin this season. Nonetheless, the damage to his throwing shoulder he sustained within the AFC championship recreation will likely be one thing to observe. He acknowledged getting a shot of ache medicine in it previous to the Tremendous Bowl that numbed it so he may play.
Key quantity
13 — The variety of enchancment in wins for the Patriots (17-4) this season after ending 4-13 the earlier 12 months.
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