The New England Patriots are back in the Super Bowl in head coach Mike Vrabel’s first season at the helm for the franchise. New England will face the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, but both teams are dealing with some complicating factors.
The Seahawks are dealing with reports and denials surrounding a potential sell of the franchise, while the Patriots’ headlines leading up to the big game directly affect their chances for Sunday.
Last week, star quarterback and MVP candidate Drake Maye was forced to miss a practice day due to illness and a shoulder injury.
“Patriots QB Drake Maye did not practice today due to an illness and a right shoulder injury,” reported league insider Ari Meirov.
Seahawks not taking it into consideration
However, Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald’s reaction shows just how little headspace the Hawks are giving the emerging development.
None,” Macdonald responded after being asked how much he’d be taking Maye’s health into consideration during preparations.
Macdonald expects to see Maye perform at the same MVP level he did during the regular season, per Pro Football Talk.
“He is a tremendous player. He really is. He’s strong, he’s fast, great arm talent, great decision-making. We’ve got to be on our stuff,” Macdonald said.
It’s natural that Maye’s health will draw increased scrutiny leading up to the Super Bowl outside the building, but everyone involved in the games seems to be expecting the emerging superstar to be at full strength.

About Qwame Skinner
Qwame Skinner has loved both writing and sports his entire life. In addition to his sports coverage at Comeback Media, Qwame writes novels, and his debut; The First Casualty, an adult fantasy, is out now.
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