The Super Bowl is a little more than a week away, with the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks set to go head-to-head on Feb. 8 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
Even though most players on both teams are banged up, the primary concern for the Seahawks and Patriots is their star quarterbacks. Sam Darnold is dealing with an oblique injury that he played through during the NFC Championship Game against the Los Angeles Rams, while Pro Bowler Drake Maye is nursing a shoulder issue.
Drake Maye Opens Up About Shoulder Injury Ahead of Super Bowl
GettyDrake Maye #10 of the New England Patriots
On Thursday, Maye spoke to the media and was asked about his shoulder injury, which has become a hot topic for the Patriots for obvious reasons.
“I’m feeling good,” Maye said during media availability. “I got out there, moving around a good bit today. I was able to do some of the jog through, so I’m feeling good. I’m looking forward to being ready to go. This is the game you dream of playing in, so I’m looking forward to getting out there and getting a chance to play in the Super Bowl.”
Despite dealing with the shoulder issue, Maye’s main goal moving forward is to get back to “100%” before the team takes the field against the Seahawks in the Bay Area on Feb. 8.
“I’m just going to try to do whatever I can to get back to 100%,” Maye said. “I think a lot of people in that locker room would say the same thing. Having a two-week break is nice to rest a little more and get to know the Seahawks as well as I can. From there, I’m looking forward to getting out to practice and trying to transfer that to live game reps.”
Maye was also asked whether he believes the injury will affect his ability to throw during the Super Bowl. As of right now, he doesn’t seem to think it will be a problem come Super Bowl Sunday.
“No, I don’t think so,” Maye said of his shoulder issue hindering his play. “That’s why you spend time. That’s why you have trainers. I think it’s just been one of those things where it’s a long season, and sometimes things show up. I’m going to do whatever I can to feel 100%. I’m sure I’ll get, if not there, as close as you can, 99%, or do whatever I can to make sure I’m throwing and like I said, do whatever I can to help the team win.”
Darnold and Maye’s injuries will be closely monitored leading up to this highly anticipated matchup between the Patriots and Seahawks, as they could tilt the scales in one team’s favor. However, with ample time to get it right, it may not be a problem for either quarterback.
Drake Maye on Mike Vrabel’s Motivational Speeches
GettyHead coach Mike Vrabel of the New England Patriots
There’s no question that head coach Mike Vrabel has had quite an impact on Maye during the quarterback’s second year in New England.
Maye shared his thoughts on Vrabel as a motivational speaker during his press conference on Monday.
“I think he does a great job of kind of relating to us, being able to talk as a player and now as a coach of his experiences of winning Super Bowls, the experience of making the playoffs his first year with the Steelers, and not making it for four years,” Maye said of Vrabel. “Just being able to kind of hit home at spots or moments this season that we can relate back to.
“I remember we talked about it at the beginning of the season, talking about our stories and what hopes we had. Our hopes were to win the big game and win the Super Bowl, and look where we’re at now. All those hopes are coming to a reality. So, that’s one of the coolest things I thought I heard this morning from him, him just relaying that to us and knowing what we dreamed of even as a little kid, back when you wanted to watch the Super Bowl at a Super Bowl party, and now we’re the party. So, that’s a pretty cool aspect, and I think Coach does a great job of relating to us and relaying a message that hits home for all of us.”
Patriots QB Drake Maye Sends Clear Message on Shoulder Injury as Super Bowl Approaches