Story perspectives

McDaniels Returns, Drake Maye Leads Patriots Training Camp

7/22/2026

Summary

Story summary

Drake Maye reported to Gillette Stadium on July 21, 2026 to open Patriots training camp.
Maye finished second in MVP voting and led the NFL in QBR, EPA, completion-percentage-over-expectation and yards per attempt.
Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels returned, giving Maye a familiar system and play-calling authority at the line.
The Patriots added A.J. Brown, tackle Caleb Lomu and guard Alijah Vera-Tucker, and named quarterback Tommy DeVito the odds-on backup after his spring second-team performance.

History

Historical Context

Super Bowl XXXVI, played on Feb 3 2002 after the 2001 season, saw the under-dog Patriots defeat the 14-point-favored Rams 20-17, launching a dynasty that produced nine Super Bowl trips and six titles under Bill Belichick and Tom Brady. That 2001 blueprint—12-4 regular season and clutch field-goal win—now guides the 2024 squad as rookie quarterback Drake Maye and coordinator Josh McDaniels aim to echo the original upset.

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Story summary

Drake Maye reported to Gillette Stadium on July 21, 2026 to open Patriots training camp.
Maye finished second in MVP voting and led the NFL in QBR, EPA, completion-percentage-over-expectation and yards per attempt.
Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels returned, giving Maye a familiar system and play-calling authority at the line.
The Patriots added A.J. Brown, tackle Caleb Lomu and guard Alijah Vera-Tucker, and named quarterback Tommy DeVito the odds-on backup after his spring second-team performance.

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