Maye Full Participant in Patriots Practice, Feels 'Great' Ahead of Super Bowl LX

United States - Ekhbary News Agency

Maye Full Participant in Patriots Practice, Feels 'Great' Ahead of Super Bowl LX

New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye returned to full participation in practice on Wednesday, a significant boost as the team finalizes preparations for Super Bowl LX against the Seattle Seahawks. Maye, who had been managing a shoulder issue, expressed confidence and a feeling of 'greatness' regarding his physical condition.

In a welcome development for the New England Patriots, star quarterback Drake Maye took every first-team repetition during a 90-minute practice session on Wednesday. This full participation marks a critical juncture as the team intensifies its preparations for Super Bowl LX, where they are slated to face the Seattle Seahawks. The presence and full engagement of Maye is a significant positive indicator for the team's prospects.

Maye had earlier in the day projected his full participation, addressing concerns surrounding his right throwing shoulder, which had previously limited his involvement in practice sessions last week. His return to full duty is a testament to his dedication and the effectiveness of his rehabilitation process. "I'm feeling great. I'm so fortunate to be out here with these guys," Maye stated, conveying a sense of relief and enthusiasm. He further elaborated that he was eagerly anticipating a complete and "normal" week of practice, aiming to regain full rhythm and chemistry with his offensive unit.

The quarterback had previously shared that he felt his shoulder had reached a turning point during the Patriots' flight to the Bay Area on Sunday. This positive sensation was further validated when the shoulder responded favorably to a standard workload during Monday's practice. With the official injury report deadline falling on Wednesday, Maye was officially listed as a full participant, effectively dispelling any lingering doubts about his availability for the championship game.

The only notable absence from practice was starting linebacker Robert Spillane. Spillane, who had recently expressed confidence in his ability to be in uniform for the Super Bowl, is sidelined due to an ankle injury sustained during the AFC Championship Game. His absence, while significant, is overshadowed by the positive news regarding Maye's complete return.

The Patriots practiced in full shoulder pads, indicating the intensity and seriousness of their preparations. While the team's core game plan had been installed prior to their arrival in the Bay Area, coaches strategically held back certain new offensive wrinkles to introduce to the players this week. This approach is designed to keep the offense dynamic and unpredictable, ensuring they present fresh challenges to the Seahawks' defense.

Head Coach Bill Belichick, speaking to pool reporter Lindsay Jones of The Ringer, revealed that the suggestion to introduce these new offensive elements came from offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. McDaniels brings a wealth of Super Bowl experience, having previously served as a full-time Patriots assistant in eight Super Bowls. His expertise also extends to an additional Super Bowl following the 2011 season, when he joined New England's staff as a general assistant after a stint as the Rams' offensive coordinator. The Rams' decision to fire their coaching staff at the end of the 2011 regular season created an opportunity for McDaniels to rejoin the Patriots for their playoff run, which ultimately concluded with a loss to the New York Giants in Super Bowl XLVI.

"No one has more experience than Josh with this, and he felt like that we needed to do something to keep them engaged and stimulated, so they weren't looking at some things for the second or third time," Belichick commented, highlighting McDaniels' strategic insight in maintaining player focus and engagement.

Belichick had previously emphasized the criticality of Wednesday and Thursday as work days for the team, particularly before the arrival of family members and friends in the Bay Area. These days are crucial for final adjustments and reinforcing key strategies.

"We've got some things to clean up, and then we've got to forge ahead," Belichick stated, outlining the team's mindset. "We want to continue to keep the energy and the enthusiasm, but the execution is going to end up really helping us win the game." This sentiment underscores the team's focus on translating preparation into effective performance on game day.

The practice session was attended by owners Robert and Jonathan Kraft, accompanied by former Patriots receiver Julian Edelman, underscoring the strong sense of unity and support surrounding the team as they approach the biggest game of the season.

Ekhbary News Agency