FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Quick-hit thoughts and notes around the New England Patriots and NFL:
1. Maye as leader: The Patriots are hoping that quarterback Drake Maye evolves into more of a leader in his second NFL season. A drill implemented by first-year coach Mike Vrabel at voluntary organized team activities -- which has seldom, if ever, been seen before on the Patriots' practice field -- was one way to possibly accelerate that process.
It thrust Maye into the spotlight in an adverse situation that tested all players' physical and mental toughness.