The Patriots are officially in Super Bowl mode.
On Wednesday afternoon, New England hit the practice fields at Stanford University, kicking off the final stretch of preparation ahead of their Super Bowl LX showdown with the Seattle Seahawks. With the media window closed for these sessions - a shift from the usual early-practice access - updates are coming via pool reports. And there’s already plenty to unpack.
Drake Maye takes command - and all the first-team reps
Let’s start with the quarterback. Any lingering concerns about Drake Maye’s shoulder can be put to rest - at least for now.
The second-year QB, who took a hit in the AFC Championship Game, was a full participant in practice and handled every first-team rep on Wednesday. That’s a strong sign he’s on track to be at full strength come Sunday.
Maye led the offense through seven-on-seven and full-team drills, fully suited up in shoulder pads. The Patriots clearly aren’t holding back with their young signal-caller, and that speaks volumes about where his health - and confidence - currently stand.
For a player making his Super Bowl debut, getting every rep this week is invaluable. Timing, rhythm, communication - it all sharpens in these final practices, and Maye is right in the thick of it.
Mike Vrabel’s hands-on approach
On the other side of the ball, Mike Vrabel continues to bring his trademark intensity - and attention to detail - to the Patriots’ defensive prep. After the main session wrapped, Vrabel pulled aside a group of defensive linemen for some extra work.
This wasn’t just a few walkthrough reps. We’re talking hands-on coaching, physical demonstrations, and a clear emphasis on technique.
It’s part of a broader strategy the Patriots have embraced this postseason. Instead of front-loading the entire Super Bowl game plan last week, offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels suggested holding some key installs for their time in California. That’s kept the team mentally fresh and engaged - and Vrabel’s extra session is a great example of how they’re using that time to fine-tune the details.
A setback for Seattle’s secondary
Meanwhile, across the Bay at San Jose State, the Seahawks were grinding through their own 1-hour, 50-minute practice - and they didn’t escape unscathed. Rookie safety Nick Emmanwori left the session early after suffering an ankle injury while defending a pass late in practice.
Emmanwori walked off under his own power, which is encouraging, but he was listed as a limited participant. That’s a development worth monitoring, especially given his growing role in Seattle’s secondary. Head coach Mike Macdonald offered a wait-and-see approach, saying the team would evaluate the injury further before determining next steps.
For a Seahawks defense that thrives on physicality and depth in the secondary, any uncertainty around Emmanwori’s availability is something to watch closely as the week progresses.
Final stretch begins
With both teams now entrenched in their Super Bowl prep on opposite sides of the Bay Area, the focus is sharpening. For the Patriots, Maye’s full participation is a green light.
For the Seahawks, Emmanwori’s status adds a wrinkle. And for coaches like Vrabel, these final days are all about the little things - the extra reps, the film-room tweaks, the situational drills that can swing a championship.
Super Bowl week is officially underway.