The Patriots are coming off an impressive 48-18 preseason victory over the Commanders. Rooke running back TreVeyon Henderson scored a 100-yard kick return touchdown on the first play of the game, then Maye rebounded following a first-quarter fumble to lead a 61-yard touchdown drive.

And that is precisely why Mike Vrabel praised Drake Maye for his performance in Wednesday’s joint practice with the Vikings, the first of two for the Patriots this week. Maye finished 16-of-25 with six sacks that day, but avoided major blunders and pushed through to eventually throw two long touchdowns, including one that capped a 2-minute drill.