PATRIOTS INSIDER DENIES RIFT BETWEEN VRABEL AND MAYE

NFL insider Tom Pelissero has said there is "zero truth" to reports of a rift between New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel and quarterback Drake Maye, according to Carlos A. Lopez. Pelissero added that there had been "some chuckles among those in the know" about the rumour. The claims had circulated after the Patriots lost 35-6 to the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 3, a game in which Maye committed three turnovers and was seen being approached by Vrabel on the sideline. WEEI's Greg Hill had earlier said he had been "whispered to" about tension between the pair, claiming it stemmed from Maye "not being his guy" regardless of what Vrabel had said publicly.

Maye opened the season with three turnovers against the Seattle Seahawks before his three-turnover performance against the Jaguars, leaving the Patriots with a 1-2 record. Across the three games, he has completed 51 of 80 passes for 585 yards, one touchdown and six interceptions. Speaking to reporters on 30 September, Maye said Vrabel had "been one of the best football coaches I've had in my life" and that he had "loved playing for him". He said Vrabel's coaching style was one he respected and that he was looking forward to "proving to Coach that I can lead this football team and play good football."

Vrabel also addressed the speculation about his relationship with Maye, questioning the source of the claims by asking "he heard from who?" according to the report. No further comment from either the Patriots or Maye on the matter has been reported.