The New England Patriots earned a tough win over the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, and head coach Mike Vrabel pointed to his rookie quarterback, Drake Maye, as a major reason why.

“Gritty. I mean, he got hit. He got hit. They pressured, or they got home… He just kept getting up and battling. He didn’t flinch,” Vrabel said while describing Drake Maye after the game.

Baltimore’s pass rush repeatedly reached Maye and forced him to take hits, but the rookie stayed composed and continued to compete. Maye did not rush throws or lose confidence despite constant pressure.

Vrabel added that the performance mattered for more than just Maye. “I think it was important for all of us to have that game. The entire team.” The coach made it clear the win was about toughness and resilience, traits he expects to define the Patriots moving forward.

#Patriots HC Mike Vrabel on Drake Maye’s performance:

“Gritty. I mean, he got hit. He got hit. They pressured or they got home… He just kept getting up and battling. He didn’t flinch. I think it was important for all of us to have that game. The entire team.” pic.twitter.com/gMoCJcgEN3

— Carlos A. Lopez (@LosTalksPats) December 22, 2025

Drake Maye completed 31 of 44 passes for 380 yards with two touchdowns and one interception in the win over the Ravens. He was sacked three times for six yards and finished with a 102.5 passer rating.

New England, now 12-3, was down 24-21 late before Rhamondre Stevenson broke through for a 21-yard touchdown run. Andy Borregales added the extra point with 2:07 remaining to put the Patriots back in front. On the Ravens’ next possession, Baltimore fumbled on the second snap. That allowed New England to recover and bleed the final seconds off the clock.

And with this win, the New England Patriots clinched a playoff berth for the first time in four years. Now, their next matchup will be with the New York Jets on Sunday afternoon in Week 17.