Drake Maye Addresses Rumors of Rift with Coach Mike Vrabel

New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye has spoken out to dispel rumors of friction between himself and head coach Mike Vrabel. The statements come as the Patriots face an early-season slump.

"Coach Vrabel’s been one of the best football coaches I’ve had in my life," Maye said Wednesday. "I think coach Vrabel’s been one of the biggest things as to why this has been so enjoyable for me is playing for coach. I think we all feel that way in the locker room. He pushes us hard."

Maye added, "I’ve loved playing for him, and it’s not going to change. It hasn’t changed, and it won’t change. The way he pushes me, and he coaches the quarterbacks in a way that I really respect, and I’m looking forward to getting going, proving to coach that I can lead this football team and play good football."

The Patriots suffered a significant 35-6 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday. During the game, video showed Vrabel placing his arms around Maye after the quarterback's third turnover of the day.

Maye has been central to the Patriots' struggles this season, accumulating seven turnovers against one touchdown in the first three games.

Rumors of a disconnect between Maye and Vrabel surfaced this week when WEEI morning show host Greg Hill suggested that Maye was not Vrabel's preferred quarterback.

Vrabel addressed the reports on Wednesday, stating, "Let me just tell you why I’m here… I wanted to coach here because Drake was the quarterback."

The Patriots, currently holding a 1-2 record, are scheduled to play the undefeated Buffalo Bills on Sunday.