When the New England Patriots picked Drake Maye in the 2024 NFL draft, they had no clue he would be the one to lead the team into their 12th Super Bowl drive. 

Let's rewind. In the two years before the 2025 season, they have won only eight games, a far cry from their glorious past of six Super Bowl Championships with Tom Brady at the helm. 

But on Monday, Maye walked off the field as the AFC Champion after winning a 10-7 game against the Broncos. This feat came in the second year of his pro career against an opponent who, historically, had the upper hand.

After a 15-touchdown season last year, Maye improved to 31 touchdowns and threw only eight interceptions with 4394 yards. And while his Championship game against the Broncos wasn't impressive, Maye managed one rushing touchdown.

In a post-game media interaction, the quarterback was out of breath and in disbelief at the turn of events.

“Man, unreal. Thank the good lord. What atmosphere out here, about the elements, love this team,” Maye shared. “I’m about the defence. Just love each and every one, man. Pass the bag, baby, come on!” he cheered.

It has been seven years since the Patriots lifted the Lombardi Trophy. Between 2002 and 2019, the Tom Brady and Bill Belichick duo built a 20-year dynasty, which fell apart when the star quarterback left the franchise. 

However, after Bill Belichick’s exit, it was head coach Mike Vrabel who led the team back to glory. 

Mike Vrabel Has Made a Huge Difference

When Mike Vrabel took over as the team’s 16th head coach in January last year, the team was in a rough spot. The 2024 season ended with a 4-13 record.

But Vrabel transformed the Patriots and helped Maye credited Vrabel with hauling up the team and pushing the team into doing better. 

“From day one, he was the same guy. Coaching is hard, but at the same time, cares about us a lot.” 

Maye also took accountability and claimed the team needs to improve in certain aspects. While the defense carried the game, Maye fell short.

The Broncos sacked him five times, while he made zero touchdowns. “We love coach, we love fighting for him, we got some more work to do,” he said. 

“It wasn’t ideal. The defense stepped up for playoffs. We’ll play better. Im just proud of this team man. I dont have many words so… just thankful to this team.”

With the Super Bowl slated for 9th February, Maye and his team will take on the winner of the Los Angeles Rams vs Seattle Seahawks game. Who do you think will take the Lombardi? Let us know in the comments!

Written by

Akanksha Biradar

Edited by

Siddharth Shirwadkar