SAN FRANCISCO — Mike Vrabel spotted quarterback Drake Maye’s potential long before he took on the head coaching role in New England.
Maye’s main receiver, Stefon Diggs, took a bit longer to catch on.
In fact, during a recent interview, Vrabel mentioned that having Maye as part of the team played a significant role in his decision to join the Patriots.
“I probably knew before I got here,” Vrabel said, referring to Maye. “That’s a major reason I was eager to come here. Every player has their unique abilities, and he fits well in the pocket. However, what stands out to me is his capacity to move around and make throws from different angles, which is pretty impressive.”
“Honestly, I didn’t know much about Maye, other than facing him when I was in Houston earlier this year,” Diggs shared, noting that he joined the Patriots this season after a year in Houston.
“It was wild. When he left the field, there was this mini-standing ovation,” Diggs recalled. “It was one of his early games. He showcased a lot of talent—his throws, the way he moved around. I still remember the pass he made to Keishon Butte for a touchdown in the back right corner. I thought, ‘He has an arm!'”
Diggs further emphasized Maye’s growth, stating, “His development is unparalleled. It’s among the best I’ve ever witnessed in a young quarterback. To blend maturity with high performance at such a young age is something I’ve always aspired to. I see him as an inspiration.”
shirtless wonder
As the Seahawks and Patriots gear up for Super Bowl LX, expect at least one Seattle player to be shirtless, irrespective of the weather.
This has been a tradition for Seattle’s special teams ace, Brady Russell, stretching back to his high school days in Colorado.
“Yeah, it’s a bit unconventional,” Russell admitted. “But I enjoy being in the elements and feeling the weather.”
Not only is Russell known for foregoing a shirt during warm-ups, but he’s also a standout player on Seattle’s special teams, having scored five touchdowns this season.
Russell covers all key special teams segments: kickoff returns, punt returns, and field goal/PAT teams.
Having been signed from the Eagles’ practice squad in 2023, he was honored as a captain for last week’s game, along with offensive receiver Jackson Smith-Njigba and defensive back Devon Witherspoon.
“Players should look to him as an example,” Seahawks head coach Mike McDonald said.
“There are many leaders in our locker room, but whenever Brady speaks, people pay attention,” remarked Seattle safety Julian Love.
Former Jet approaches play
The Seahawks are looking to retain former Jets linebacker Chazz Surratt to bolster their special teams as they head into the Super Bowl.
Surratt returned from injured reserve on Tuesday after being sidelined for over two months due to an ankle injury.
Although he played only seven snaps on defense during the regular season, he contributed 181 snaps on special teams prior to his injury.
Isn’t that a kick?
Vrabel expressed confidence in the kicker-punter duo of rookie Andy Borregales and third-year punter Bryce Ballinger during a press conference.
“He doesn’t nail every kick, but when we need Andy, he’s really come into his own,” Vrabel said. “And Bryce is pretty much the veteran here who has managed them well. We’ve made crucial kicks when necessary, so it’s going to be critical. If this game comes down to field goals, I trust they’ll deliver.”
Borregales made 27 out of 32 field goal attempts during the regular season, achieving four out of six in three playoff games, though one of his misses was a 63-yard attempt that fell short at the end of the AFC Championship Game.
