Drake Maye Says He’s “Feeling Good” as Patriots Begin Super Bowl Prep
With the Super Bowl just over a week away, all eyes in New England are on quarterback Drake Maye - and more specifically, his right shoulder. After being listed as “limited” on the Patriots’ estimated injury report earlier this week, Maye was back at practice Thursday as the team kicked off its official prep for the big game. And despite the injury designation, both Maye and head coach Mike Vrabel are downplaying any real concern.
Maye didn’t throw during the portion of Thursday’s practice that was open to the media - but to be fair, none of the Patriots’ quarterbacks did. Afterward, Maye said he did throw during the closed portion of the session and emphasized that he’s feeling good.
“We went through normal practice,” Maye said. “I did some reps and did some things where I’m looking forward to trying to get some more reps here and there and feel it out.”
That phrase - “normal practice” - might be doing a lot of work here, but Maye certainly didn’t sound like a player worried about his availability for the Super Bowl.
“I think it’s just been one of those things where it’s a long season and sometimes things show up,” he said. “I’ll do whatever I can to feel 100 percent. And I’m sure I’ll get, if not there, as close as you can - 99 - and do whatever I can to make sure I’m throwing and helping the team win.”
Maye was again listed as limited on Thursday’s official injury report, but all signs point to him being ready when the Patriots take the field against Seattle on February 8.
Vrabel Not Worried About Maye’s Shoulder
Head coach Mike Vrabel has been consistent all week: he’s not sweating the shoulder issue. When asked directly whether Maye had been dealing with the injury before the AFC Championship Game - and possibly aggravated it - Vrabel shut that down.
“No, because then he would have been listed on the injury report before then,” Vrabel said.
Pressed on his level of concern, Vrabel kept it simple:
“Not much. I try not to have a whole lot of concern,” he said. “I just try to prepare the football team and make sure that everybody’s ready.”
Vrabel has been clear about the team’s approach - focus on the day-to-day, not the finish line. He emphasized that the Patriots are treating this stretch like any other game week, even if the calendar says otherwise.
“Even though it’s Thursday, this is Wednesday for us,” Vrabel said. “And that’s kind of how we’ll approach it.”
Maye’s Road to the Super Bowl
It’s been a long season for Maye - and a demanding one. He admitted earlier this week that the wear and tear of a full NFL season, plus the extra reps from training camp through the playoffs, can take a toll. Still, he’s maintained he’s “feeling good.”
And let’s not forget: this is a quarterback who’s already taken on three of the league’s best defenses in the postseason - the Chargers, Texans, and Broncos - and now faces another elite unit in Seattle. While his playoff performances haven’t matched his MVP-level regular season, Maye’s grit and leadership have helped push New England to the final game of the year.
That competitive fire was on full display in the AFC title game, where Maye was mic’d up. He stayed mostly quiet, but when the moment called for it - like his game-sealing scramble for a first down - he let it fly.
“ONE. FIRST.
DOWN.” Maye shouted, punctuating the play that punched the Patriots’ ticket to the Super Bowl.
Vrabel was asked about Maye’s competitive growth this season and gave some insight into the quarterback’s personality.
“You can be a yeller, a screamer… or you can be a little more laid back and still compete when the ball is snapped,” Vrabel said. “And I’d say that’s probably more what Drake is.”
Patriots Injury Updates
While Maye’s shoulder is the headline, he’s not the only Patriot dealing with health issues. Linebacker Robert Spillane, who exited the AFC Championship Game with an ankle injury, did not practice Thursday. Other players not spotted during the session included Harold Landry, Marte Mapu, Hunter Henry, and Thayer Munford.
The team practiced indoors Thursday and will be back on the field Friday. Saturday is a scheduled off day before Sunday’s fan send-off rally at Gillette Stadium. Then it’s wheels up to Santa Clara.
Vrabel on Belichick’s Hall of Fame Snub
Vrabel also addressed the buzz around Bill Belichick being left out of the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility - a decision that’s sparked plenty of reaction, including from former President Donald Trump.
“I’m sure Bill will get in,” Vrabel said. “That’s something well out of my control.
I know that the time here with Bill were eight great years. The teammates and everyone else we have - I’m sure that Bill will get into Canton.”
Asked if preparing for a Super Bowl gave him a deeper appreciation for Belichick’s coaching legacy, Vrabel pointed to the obvious.
“The record speaks for itself,” he said. “My experiences don’t give me any less or any greater affinity for Bill as a coach and somebody I played for.”
Terrell Williams to Join Team in California
There was also good news on the coaching front. Defensive coordinator Terrell Williams, who’s been away from the team while undergoing treatment for prostate cancer, is doing well and will travel to California for Super Bowl week.
“He’s excited about traveling with us,” Vrabel said. “We’re excited about having him.”
Eyes on the Prize
For Maye, this is the moment he’s dreamed of - and he’s not letting a sore shoulder get in the way.
“This is the game you dream of playing in,” he said. “I’m looking forward to getting out there and getting a chance to play in the Super Bowl.”
The Patriots still have work to do before kickoff in Santa Clara, but their quarterback sounds ready. And if Maye’s words - and demeanor - are any indication, he’s locked in on finishing what’s already been a remarkable rookie campaign with the ultimate prize.