New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel was unveiled on Monday.
He made his stance on young quarterback Drake May clear from the beginning.
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Former linebacker Vrabel was confirmed as the Patriots' new head coach this weekend, succeeding fired Jerrod Mayo.
Vrabel, 49, won three Super Bowls as a player with the Patriots under Bill Belichick and Tom Brady.
He took over a team that finished 4-13 in 2024, leading to Mayo's firing.
One positive in 2024 was the emergence of rookie quarterback Maye.
The 22-year-old was the No. 3 overall pick in last year's NFL Draft.
He took over the starting job in Week 6 of this season.
Vrabel was asked about Maye's position as the New England Patriots' starting quarterback.
“I think he's young, talented, willing to learn, and I think there's a difficulty for him,” the new Patriots coach said.
“There is an amazing skill set that can be honed and have him lead our football team and lead our offense.
“There's arm talent. There's athleticism. Sure, we've got to be great around him and we'll continue to push him as much as he allows us to.”
“My involvement will be in terms of game management and situational awareness, where we are on the football field, and trying to develop him as a leader of the attack.
“Drake is going to be his own person, but I'm going to give him some things that I feel are necessary to win football games.”
“We have to be a very effective football team,” Vrabel added.
“When you look at what wins statistically in the NFL, our ability to impact the other team's quarterback and our ability to provide an effective quarterback and pass game is a huge contributor to success.
“There are a lot of ways to do that — through protecting the middle of the pocket, protecting the football, how to be aggressive but not reckless.”
NFL division round schedule
Saturday, January 18, 4:30 PM ET (ESPN/ABC) – Houston Texans vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Saturday, January 18, 8 PM ET (FOX) – Washington Commanders at Detroit Lions
Sunday, January 19, 3pm ET (NBC) – Los Angeles Rams vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Sunday, January 19, 6:30 PM ET (CBS) – Baltimore Ravens at Buffalo Bills
Rob Gronkowski urged Vrabel to sign in a big way to help Maye and the offense.
“If I were Mike Vrabel, the first thing I would do is call out Josh McDaniels, who is a familiar foe to Patriots fans,” Gronk said on Fox NFL Sunday.
“Hire him as offensive coordinator as soon as possible.”
Speaking about Vrabel's hiring, Gronkowski said: “This guy is going to keep everyone accountable in the organization from the coaching staff to the players.
“He's going to keep himself accountable, and even the front office that's going to hold him accountable.
“Let me tell you, once again, this man has knowledge and power, and he is going to be great.”
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