Here are five key takeaways from Mike Vrabel’s press conference on Tuesday as the Patriots kicked off their latest OTA session. Vrabel touched on a variety of topics from practice, to Drake Maye to joint practices with the Washington Commanders to Rhamondre Stevenson’s absence.

Emphasis on Operational Efficiency and Fundamentals: Vrabel stressed the importance of core operational aspects during these early, non-padded practices. He wants to see clean huddle breaks, efficient substitutions, strong communication (especially on defense with checks), offensive urgency, and avoiding play clock violations. This highlights his focus on building a disciplined and well-oiled machine from the ground up.

Competition is King, Even Without Pads: Despite the non-contact nature of OTAs, Vrabel reiterated that there’s always a level of competition. He emphasized that players need to compete to earn roles, whether they are returning veterans or new rookies. This competitive mindset is a cornerstone of his coaching philosophy, even in early offseason work.

Early Impressions of Drake Maye and New System Integration: Vrabel noted that everyone, including rookie quarterback Drake Maye, is working hard to learn the new offensive and defensive systems. He acknowledged that the challenge now is to translate that learning onto the practice field. While not going into extensive detail on Maye’s individual performance, he indicated a positive start to the process of integrating the new scheme.

Joint Practices Confirmed: Vrabel confirmed that the Patriots will hold two sets of joint practices during training camp this summer. They will host the Washington Commanders in Foxborough before their preseason opener, and then travel to Minnesota for joint sessions with the Vikings. This indicates a desire for high-quality, competitive practice environments against other NFL teams.

Rhamondre Stevenson’s Absence and Team Outlook: Vrabel addressed the absence of running back Rhamondre Stevenson, stating he’s away for personal reasons after the passing of his father. Vrabel stressed that Stevenson will be a “large part” of what the team does and they’ll determine his status upon his return. Overall, Vrabel conveyed a sense of energy and excitement within the team, focusing on constant improvement and leaving last year’s performance behind. He made it clear that the focus is on what needs to go right moving forward.