The New England Patriots are one of the benefits of a long off-season, corresponding with an endless modern media cycle.
Mike Vrabel, paired with some high-ticket free agents and a high draft pick, has completely overshadowed the fact that the team is coming off a pitiful four-win campaign.
The roster is unquestionably in a better place to compete with a coach far more qualified for the job. Still, is the notion that the Pats are a surefire postseason contender a bit overzealous?
Part of the unwavering optimism is around signal-caller Drake Maye, who won just one start as a rookie but jumped off the screen with his raw traits and has a whiff of Josh Allen in his skillset.
Like many young quarterbacks, Maye is all but expected to make a leap in his second season, but his improved intangibles are also turning some heads.
In a recent interview with NFL Network's Kay Adams, running back Rhamondre Stevenson praised his QB's rapid development off the field.
"Maye is more comfortable," Stevenson said. "He's more of a leader—he's taken that step of getting us all on the right page. I think that's great. He got us all together and brought us to his hometown, and we got some work in and had fun."
Maye's confidence could translate to the gridiron, where at times it was clear he didn't trust the supporting cast around him. If he just has faith in his offensive line and pass catchers, there's a chance he can break out.
The Patriots hype might be a smidge premature, but that doesn't mean they can't evolve into a genuine threat.