New England Patriots
“This is a game I’ve dreamed of playing in, so looking forward to getting out there and getting a chance to play in the Super Bowl.”
FOXBOROUGH — During his media availability after practice on Thursday, Patriots quarterback Drake Maye said that his right throwing shoulder is feeling good and that he doesn’t expect the injury to impact him much during the Super Bowl.
“Got out there moving around a good bit today, doing some jogging, so I’m feeling good. I’m looking forward to being ready to go,” Maye said. “This is a game I’ve dreamed of playing in, so looking forward to getting out there and getting a chance to play in the Super Bowl.”
Maye did not throw during the media access portion of practice, but said that he took some throwing reps afterward. The Patriots listed him as limited on the injury report.
“I’m just trying to do whatever I can to get back to 100 percent, and I think a lot of people in that locker room would say the same thing, having a two week break,” Maye said. “It’s nice to rest a little more and get to know the Seahawks and from there, I’m looking forward to getting out to practice and try to transfer that to live game reps.”
The second-year signal-caller said the rest, along with some time with the Patriots training staff, gives him confidence that the injury won’t limit him much during the game.
“That’s why you spend time, that’s why you have good trainers,” Maye said. “It’s one of those things where it’s a long season and sometimes things show up. I’ll do whatever I can to feel 100 percent, or if not there, as close as I can, 99 or whatever. Make sure I’m throwing and doing everything I can to help this team win.’”
Maye finished the Patriots’ AFC championship game win against the Broncos and stiff-armed a linebacker on a footrace to the first-down marker on the final drive. Several of his teammates, including rookie left tackle Will Campbell, said they weren’t aware that Maye was going to keep the ball instead of handing it off to Rhamondre Stevenson.
“I haven’t done it before,” Maye said. “I asked a few of the guys after and they’d rather me not tell them. It was pretty cool, a pretty cool moment, for coach McDaniels and the guys in the box to see it and for me to be able to catch the edge and give a little stiff-arm to make the play, so shoulder’s doing just fine.”
Maye said the Patriots coaches trust the players to make plays, and it showed in the AFC championship game win.
“I think a lot of times the coaches do their best to say ‘Hey, we’re going to scheme this up’ and ‘Hey, I think this guy will be open,’” Maye said. “That’s what great players and teams are for. The coaches try to have a play that they design and we bring the play to life and I think that’s one of the best things about this game.”
Mike Vrabel said that he did not have much concern about Maye’s shoulder.
“Not much, I try not to have a whole lot of concern,” Vrabel said. “I just want to try to prepare the football team, make sure that everybody’s ready, that we all have a plan, not to surprise anybody and make sure that our guys are focusing on the first and second down plan.”
“We’ve tried to map out the week here, week and a half, and not look at the end of it, but focus on what we can do today. Try to learn our opponent and be ready for first and second down.”
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