{
  "id": 11252943,
  "title": "Patriots takeaways: Mike Vrabel denies rift with Drake Maye after WEEI report",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/01/patriots-takeaways-mike-vrabel-denies-rift-with-drake-maye-after-weei",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-01T18:23:16.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/patriots-takeaways-mike-vrabel-denies-205816756.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "FOXBOROUGH – Patriots quarterback Drake Maye has denied that there is any rift with head coach Mike Vrabel following a report from WEEI's Greg Hill. Both Maye and Vrabel dismissed the rumor on Wednesday. Vrabel reiterated that he took the Patriots job because of Maye, saying he had choices in where he wanted to coach. Maye called Vrabel one of the best coaches he's ever had, praising his demanding and respected coaching style. Last season, Maye earned All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors and was runner-up for NFL MVP. This season, he has struggled with six interceptions in three weeks. Vrabel mentioned talking to Maye about facing challenges in the journey, comparing it to the biblical story of David and Goliath. The Patriots have dealt with several injuries this season, including Christian Gonzalez, Christian Barmore, and Morgan Moses. Rookie tackle Caleb Lomu, filling in for Moses, feels more comfortable and confident.",
  "summary": "A WEEI report said Drake Maye wasn't Mike Vrabel's 'guy.' The Patriots coach had a sharp, direct answer in response.",
  "key_points": [
    "Mike Vrabel denies rift with Drake Maye following WEEI report.",
    "Maye praises Vrabel's demanding and respected coaching style.",
    "Patriots faced several injuries this season, including Caleb Lomu's rookie tackle role."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}