The Mike Vrabel era in New England started with fireworks, but not all of them were the good kind. The Patriots’ 48-18 preseason rout of the Washington Commanders had plenty of highlights, from TreVeyon Henderson ’s electric 100-yard kick return to a dominant ground game. Yet, the spotlight stayed fixed on Drake Maye , the young QB whose night swung between promise and growing pains.

Ball security and smart decisions sit at the core of Vrabel’s Patriots identity. It’s non-negotiable. Maye, entering his second season, knows this better. Yet five minutes into his first-quarter action – a brief stint that saw him complete just 3-of-5 passes for 12 yards while adding 16 rushing yards and a touchdown – the young quarterback failed the test. Crushed on a 15-yard sack, he coughed u

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