NFL training camp is officially underway, which means the return of mic’d-up moments from coaches and players. New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel might have already delivered the best soundbite of the summer. He roasted second-year quarterback Drake Maye with a jab about the team’s offensive struggles last season.
Vrabel Doesn’t Hold Back in Viral Moment with Drake Maye
Vrabel has never been the most buttoned-up coach in the NFL. After playing 14 seasons as a linebacker in the league, he brings a similar unfiltered energy to his role on the sidelines. That personality was clear in a recent mic’d up video from Patriots training camp.
The four-minute clip features several moments from practice, but one exchange in particular has gone viral. While coaching rookie quarterback Maye on being more aggressive in the red zone, Vrabel takes a shot at the team’s offense from last season.
“How many touchdowns did you guys score last year?” Vrabel asked. “The answer is not enough.”
While it might seem like an unnecessary shot, that’s the kind of coach Vrabel is. He may not be the top offensive or defensive mind in the league, but one thing he does better than most is build a culture.
Coach Vrabel Mic’d Up is 🔥 🔥 🔥
– He still have that fire inside
– He will test you/jab at you/PUSH YOU“How many touchdowns did you score last year? The answer is not enough.” 😮💨 ☠️
🎥:@Patriots pic.twitter.com/5XNzeuX1WH
— Michael Rodnick (@MJRodnick) August 1, 2025
New England’s offense struggled throughout the 2024 season. The team finished 29th in total points scored with just 289 and also ranked third-to-last in points per game, averaging only 17.
Vrabel’s comment to Maye about last year’s offense was his way of making a point. He wants his quarterback and the rest of the team to know that the expectations in New England have shifted.
Scoring those few points is a quick path to losing in the NFL, and that is precisely what happened last year as the Patriots finished 3-14 in 2024. Vrabel will not accept that kind of performance, and he wants his quarterback to understand that from day one.
New England selected Maye with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, expecting him to become the franchise quarterback.
Although Vrabel wasn’t with the organization at the time, he’s made it clear that he shares those expectations. He needs Maye to take command and help turn the Patriots’ offense around in 2025.
