"Maybe Bill Belichick was the problem after all": NFL analyst throws shade at ex-Patriots HC over Drake Maye and Mike Vrabel's ascension

The New England Patriots are one of the NFL's biggest surprises this season thanks to Mike Vrabel's leadership and Drake Maye's strong play.

After beating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 10, the Patriots (8-2) continue to lead the AFC East in Vrabel's first season in charge. That win, and the Buffalo Bills' defeat to the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, widened the gap at the top of the division's standings.

New England is undefeated in five road games this season. It's an achievement the team has managed only seven times in franchise history, predominantly under the leadership of Bill Belichick and Tom Brady. This year's turnaround was unexpected to many as the Patriots had 4-13 records in 2023 and 2024.

Following their 28-23 victory over the Bucs, CBS' Pete Prisco was asked if Vrabel is getting enough credit for turning New England's fortunes around.

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He responded by praising the coach and Maye's performance, and made a subtle jab at Belichick. Prisco highlighted that despite leading the team to six championships, Belichick and the Patriots struggled with consistency in his last few years with the team.

"He has had success elsewhere," Prisco said. "If you have a great coach and a great quarterback, you're gonna win games in this league. They have a great coach now and they have a great quarterback on his way to being a truly special quarterback, so you're going to win a lot of games that way. Maybe Belichick was the problem in New England after all."

Vrabel has brought back New England's toughness and accountability this season, which were qualities the team had during the 2000s and 2010s. He has also made history becoming the first Patriots coach to win his first five away games.

Drake Maye has become the favorite to win the MVP award after another impressive outing

Patriots quarterback Drake Maye is the odds-on favorite to win the NFL MVP award following another strong performance in Week 10.

He finished Sunday's game with 270 yards and two passing touchdowns. Maye raised his season totals to 205 completions, 2555 passing yards, 19 passing touchdowns and five interceptions. While he didn't get a 100 quarterback rating for only the second time this season, he has recorded 200+ yards in every game.

Maye surpassed the Buffalo Bills' Josh Allen and the Kansas City Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes in the MVP race. He has +250 odds on FanDuel and +225 on DraftKings to win the award.

LA Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford is second with +300. Mahomes, Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor and Allen round out the top five.

Edited by Victor Ramon Galvez