New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel acknowledged quarterback Drake Maye's resilience following Sunday's 21-14 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. While appreciating Maye's ability to bounce back from mistakes, Vrabel emphasized the need for fewer errors, especially after the team committed five turnovers in the game. This marks the most turnovers by the Patriots since 2008.
Vrabel's comments came during his weekly appearance on The Greg Hill Show. He highlighted that while resiliency is a positive trait, the team cannot rely on it consistently. The coach's remarks underscore the Patriots' focus on improving ball security and execution moving forward in the season.
Key Takeaways
- Patriots coach Mike Vrabel praised Drake Maye's resilience but stressed the need for fewer turnovers.
- New England committed five turnovers against the Steelers, their highest since 2008.
- Maye was responsible for two turnovers: an interception and a fumble.
- Vrabel detailed specific improvements needed for Maye's throws and ball security.
- The offensive line also received criticism for not finishing blocks.
Patriots' Turnover Struggles Against Steelers
The New England Patriots faced significant challenges with ball control in their recent game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The team recorded five turnovers, a statistic that stands out as their highest in a single game since the 2008 season. These errors directly impacted the outcome of the 21-14 defeat.
Quarterback Drake Maye was involved in two of these crucial turnovers. One was an interception thrown in the end zone at the end of the first half, preventing a potential scoring opportunity. The second was a fumble lost during the second-to-last drive of the game, with 7:48 remaining on the clock. These plays proved costly for the Patriots.
Key Turnover Data
- Total Turnovers: 5 (vs. Steelers)
- Drake Maye's Turnovers: 2 (1 interception, 1 fumble)
- Last 5+ Turnover Game: 2008 season
Coach Vrabel on Maye's Interception
Coach Vrabel addressed Maye's interception specifically, pointing to the need for better ball placement. He explained that the throw, which was tipped at the line of scrimmage, lacked the necessary loft. According to Vrabel, a higher trajectory would have prevented defenders from making contact with the ball.
"It shouldn't have been a flat one," Vrabel stated regarding the throw. "Obviously, just having an idea of where that guy is and be able to put some air under it. I think that those are things we have to be able to see. And again, get the spacing that we need and be able to keep it out of harm's way."
Vrabel emphasized that Maye needs to develop a clearer understanding of defensive positioning and adjust his throws accordingly. This includes creating better spacing for receivers and ensuring the ball is thrown safely beyond the reach of opposing players.
Improving Throw Trajectory
The coaching staff will work with Maye on improving his throw trajectory. This skill is vital for quarterbacks, especially when facing strong pass rushes that can bat down low throws. Adding more air to the ball can help clear defensive linemen and allow receivers more time to adjust.
This adjustment is part of a broader effort to refine Maye's mechanics and decision-making under pressure. The goal is to minimize the chances of deflections and interceptions, which can significantly swing momentum in a game.
Analysis of Maye's Fumble and Offensive Line Play
The fumble by Drake Maye also drew criticism from Coach Vrabel. While acknowledging Maye's responsibility to protect the football, Vrabel extended blame to the offensive line. He suggested that some linemen did not maintain their blocks through the entire duration of the play, contributing to the pressure Maye faced.
"We have to either get down and be OK to take a loss, or be able to get rid of the football in times where it's loose," Vrabel said. "And again, there's opportunities for guys to finish. I don't know how long the guy is going to have the football. That's why we say we have to finish longer than the guy with the ball. And there's a lot of examples of that, and thinking that the play is over, and sometimes the play isn't over. So, it's easy to say, ‘Well, you gotta have better ball security.’ And it's going to be really easy for me to say, ‘We have to finish longer than the guy with the ball,’ because we did it on numerous occasions."
Vrabel's comments highlight a dual responsibility. Maye must either secure the ball by going down or throw it away when faced with immediate danger. Simultaneously, the offensive line must ensure blocks are sustained until the whistle, preventing late pressure that can lead to fumbles.
Team Ball Security Focus
The Patriots had a relatively clean record in their first two games, committing only one turnover. The five turnovers against the Steelers represent a significant departure from this early season trend. The coaching staff will likely prioritize ball security drills and emphasize discipline in upcoming practices to address this issue.
Improving offensive line play is also a critical component of ball security. Consistent blocking allows the quarterback more time and a cleaner pocket, reducing the likelihood of fumbles due to pressure.
Moving Forward: Reducing Mistakes
The Patriots aim for the five-turnover performance against the Steelers to be an anomaly rather than a new standard. The team's focus will now shift to making cleaner plays and reducing the frequency of situations that require Maye's resilience.
Vrabel's message is clear: while Maye's ability to battle back is valued, consistent execution is paramount for success. The team needs to avoid putting itself in difficult positions that demand constant recovery. This involves attention to detail from every player on the offensive side of the ball.
Lessons from the Game
- Quarterback Decision-Making: Maye needs to improve his judgment on contested throws and when to abandon a play.
- Offensive Line Discipline: Linemen must block through the entire play, even when the quarterback moves out of the pocket.
- Overall Ball Security: The entire team must prioritize protecting the football in all phases of the game.
The Patriots will look to demonstrate improvement in these areas in their upcoming games, hoping to return to the lower turnover rates seen earlier in the season. Consistent performance and reduced errors are key to securing victories in the competitive NFL landscape.