The New England Patriots are stirring the pot this offseason, whipping up a recipe that has fans buzzing. First, they hired their former linebacker, Mike Vrabel, as their next HC. Then, whispers around Foxborough confirmed that Josh McDaniels is returning to New England for the third time as their new offensive coordinator, adding another familiar face to the mix. It’s like the Patriots are assembling their own Avengers to reclaim their spot atop the NFL universe.

So, head coach? Check. Offensive coordinator? Check. What else is remaining? Oh yeah, the real plot twist. Their QB, Drake Maye. According to ESPN NFL nation reporter, Mike Reiss, who covers the Patriots, Maye was at the Patriots’ facility this past week in preparation for the team’s voluntary offseason program. The kicker?

Well, the QB cut short his holidays to return to the ground for practice. Yep, you read that absolutely right. Besides Maye, Ja’Lynn Polk’s also been at the facility as he recovers from his season-ending shoulder injury. And why wouldn’t they be there? I mean, the franchise is in the mood to flip the tables in the 2025 season, so the second-year QB and WR returning for the training kinda seems justifiable.

On top of that, just a few weeks ago, Maye declared that he wants the head coach to provide some hard coaching for the 2025 season. “For me as a player, especially as a quarterback, you want that, you like that, you want to be coached hard. We’re playing at the highest level, but we still need to be coached hard,” Maye told Patriots Insider Phil Perry.

“I guess the biggest thing people get away from—we don’t know everything. Especially me coming in, second year, just finished my rookie season, I don’t know everything. I want to be coached hard.” One of the many reasons why the New England team had an embarrassing season was lack of talent on the roster, especially their O-line.

If we take a look at their wide receiver corp, the team didn’t have a single WR who recorded over 500 yards in this season. Besides, the rookie, Polk, had the worst rookie season for a WR while players like Xavier Worthy were making waves. And it’s pretty certain that Maye and the team are hoping that Vrabel helps them in improving those areas.

After all, the team’s entering in 2025 season with two sophomore WRs who have yet to prove their potential.

Drake Maye believes Ja’Lynn Polk will step up in next season

If we look at Drake Maye’s rookie season, it’s safe to say the boy had a good season as it could be for a first year QB. The guy put up 2,276 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, and even chipped in 421 rushing yards. But if we talk about his team, then it’s the complete opposite narrative. With a brutal 4-13 record, the Patriots wrapped up their season at last in the AFC East.

Now the question is, what does this kind of performance teach a rookie QB? If we look at Maye’s recent appearance on the Green Light with Chris Long, one can just say—maturity and how to trust your players. Because when Long asked, “Who do you think is that next guy for the Patriots next year to step up,” he named those two guys who just want to wipe out this season from their memories.

“Oh, that’s a good question,” said Maye. “We bought into two rookie receivers. I think Ja’Lynn Polk and Javon Baker, that [they were] kind of feeling out this year, and they both battled some injuries. But I think, hopefully, expecting one of them, if not both, to kind of make a splash this year.” Let’s be honest—looking at the kind of season they had, they surely need to step up in the next season and Maye knows it pretty well.

After all, both of the WRs entered pro football with Maye, right? “I think I’m kind of really taking it upon myself. You know, the guys came up with me. They’re receivers, and quarterbacks-receivers – it’s my job to get them the football. But also, I think it’s their job – they know to kind of get their stuff together,” he further said.

The thing is, coming out of the training camp, the team had high expectations with Polk and Baker. However, once the regular season kicked off, the wideouts got a reality check. Of course, the guys suffered injuries in their rookie season. But even when they were healthy, they couldn’t show their true potential. Polk played 15 games after the Patriots drafted him as 37th overall pick. His track record? Just 12 catches on 33 targets for 87 yards and 2 touchdowns.

And if you’re thinking what else could be worse than this—think again. Because Baker played 11 games and finished his rookie season with just 1 catch on 4 targets for 12 yards and 0 touchdowns. With that being said, both of them have no option but to bring out their best in 2025.

And as Drake Maye says, the team surely needs hard coaching from the head coach, Mike Vrabel.