The New England Patriots played their preseason opener for the 2025 NFL season against the Washington Commanders on Aug. 8th. Despite the team winning 48-18, rumors are circulating about Patriots starting quarterback Drake Maye having locker room heat with Head Coach Mike Vrabel after a serious blunder in the first game of the NFL preseason.
Drake Maye played only two series during the game for the Patriots, which included a fumble in the first quarter that has him under hot water in the locker room. Mike Vrabel appeared on The Greg Hill Show on WEEI after the preseason game to explain his expectation for Maye after a bad fumble earlier in the week. Vrabel said the following on WWEI on Aug. 11.
“That is a bad decision,” Vrabel commented specifically on Maye’s fumble. “We’re going to need better from him and I think he knows that. It’s obvious. It wasn’t there and we have to find away to get rid of the football or take a sack and punt. To the defense’s credit, they forced a field goal that was missed.”
GettyDrake Maye lost six fumbles for the Patriots last season, which was tied for the most by NFL QBs.
Could the Patriots Replace Drake Maye as Quarterback?
As a young NFL quarterback playing in the shadow of Tom Brady’s legacy, Drake Maye needs to show the New England Patriots that he’s the one to lead the franchise into the future. The Boston Herald questioned if Maye’s discipline will be the major weakness for the Patriots this season.
“There’s a fine line between holding on to the ball too long in certain situations, and then doing the right thing to help the team,” Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels said this week. “And those guys that were blessed with that ability, they’re the ones that have to go out there and learn how to do that and balance it.”
Mike Vrabel also commented that while mistakes happen. The Patriots head coach made it clear that while the on-field performance may not always be extraordinary, the New England Patriots starting quarterback must demonstrate extraordinary leadership and demeanor at all times. “He’s learning that,” Vrabel explained. “I love the fact that he’s willing to learn and push… to where he’s demanding of everybody and making sure that everybody’s on the same page.”
GettyDrake Maye earned some redemption for the fumble after rushing for a TD later in the preseason game.
Drake Maye’s Preseason Expectations Are Through the Roof
When CBS News Boston reported on his preseason performance, Drake Maye called the fumble “disappointing,” but remained optimistic. “We had a drive going, and I can’t do that my first time out. I’m glad we responded well the next drive. You can’t put the defense in that position when the games matter. I told the guys that was on me; glad we could get back out there and get another series going.”
Previously, the Patriots have been pleased with Maye’s progress during this preseason. Maye has been making key changes to his performance, including learning how to slide properly and how to become a more effective scrambling quarterback. The New England Patriots do not expect Drake Maye to learn everything all at once. However, the franchise is in desperate need of a fresh start.
The Patriots only won four games in 2024. After two decades of dominance, Drake Maye needs to establish something new in New England. If the Patriots can return to form under a young QB like Maye, the sky is the limit. All eyes will be on the New England Patriots and Drake Maye as the 2025 NFL preseason continues.
Patriots QB Drake Maye in Hot Water After Ugly Preseason Blunder