Mike Vrabel Asked If Drake Maye Reminds Him Of Tom Brady

The New England Patriots have a new franchise quarterback in Drake Maye, but he’s still far away from the last guy who held that description.

Maye has enjoyed a massive second-year ascension, leading Mike Vrabel’s Patriots to a 5-2 start with a 75.2 completion percentage and 116.4 quarterback rating. He’s set franchise milestones previously held by Tom Brady in recent weeks, so it was only a matter of time before the early MVP candidate drew lofty comparisons to the seven-time Super Bowl champion.

Vrabel was asked Thursday on “The Rich Eisen Show” if he’s seen any similarities between Maye and Brady to start their careers. The head coach used Eisen’s question as an opportunity to roast his former Patriots teammate.

“No. I mean, he doesn’t drive a yellow Jeep to work, so obviously that’s one thing that’s different,” Vrabel responded.

Vrabel demurred when Eisen pressed about actual on-field parallels. After all, Maye has plenty of football left to play.

“A lot of year to go,” Vrabel said. “I do love Drake’s youthful energy. Twenty-three years old. My god, I have kids that are 23 years old. That’s been fun to have that energy around.”

While he’s understandably not ready to compare Maye to the NFL’s all-time passing leader, Vrabel applauded Maye’s leadership growth this season.

“He’s done a great job with that and improving and sharing our message,” Vrabel said. “And making sure that guys, when he says things, that he says it in a manner that gets their attention.”

Vrabel also noted some of the ways Maye has quickly progressed to start his second NFL season.

“Really accurate on the move,” he said. “It’s been really fun to see him extend and be able to remain accurate … His ability to lead our offense and put the ball in good places, and be able to take care of it.”

Maye will look to lead the Patriots to a Week 8 win over the Cleveland Browns this Sunday.