Drake Maye revealed Mike Vrabel's powerful reminder before the Texans game

The New England Patriots are redeeming themselves and taking back the place they once held under Tom Brady's guidance, although this time around, Drake Maye is leading the way.

Now, ahead of the AFC Divisional Round matchup against the Houston Texans, the 23-year-old quarterback reflected on the contrast with last season and revealed the message head coach Mike Vrabel gave him before the game.

Maye reveals Vrabe's emotional words

After a resounding 16-3 victory in the wild card round over the Los Angeles Chargers, the Patriots are still alive in their dream of winning another Super Bowl. This situation was unthinkable last season, as the team finished with a 4-13 record and many uncertainties.

Now, with a solid 14-3 record and a unique chance to win another Vince Lombardi Trophy, Maye revealed that he was aware of this huge difference achieved in just one year and that it was his coach who made him and the team see this opportunity:

"We were just talking about it, there are 24 teams at home right now. There are eight of us practicing and still working. He mentioned it today before practice - 'take a look, raise your hand who was still practicing at this time last year.' I think Milton [Williams] was the only one," Drake said at a pre-game press conference.

"It was pretty eye-opening to see that there are eight teams left and this is a chance and an opportunity that we have to play a home football game - a home playoff game that matters at a time when it matters most," Maye said, adding: "So just reflect on that and realize the opportunity we have, and at the same time how much work we've done to get here. Enjoy it, but also remind ourselves to take advantage of it and know that we've got a chance."

The truth is that Maye knows what it's like to face one of the most physical defenses in the NFL, as his first start against the Texans in October 2024 ended in a crushing 41-21 defeat.

Meanwhile, the QB continues to prepare for his second postseason start, but the situation is very different from other occasions, as he is coming off a successful regular season that has made his name resonate among the strongest MVP candidates. Even in the game against the Chargers, Maye threw for 268 yards and a touchdown.

Now, he has a golden opportunity to bring the franchise a new Super Bowl, something that has not happened since the 2018 season when the Patriots defeated the Los Angeles Rams 13-3 in Super Bowl LII on February 3, 2019.