With the New England Patriots’ Super Bowl hopes resting on the shoulders of rookie quarterback Drake Maye, key figures like Julian Edelman have pointed to the critical need for ball security. As New England faces its toughest challenge yet, Edelman’s insight on the team’s vulnerabilities provides a crucial lens through which to understand their chances at victory.

In a YouTube Shorts clip from Dudes on Dudes shared on Sunday, the former Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski asked Edelman about the key to the team’s offense.

“We’ve got to protect the football,” Julian Edelman said. “Drake’s making crazy plays, but he’s fumbled six times in the last two weeks. Games like this aren’t won on big plays; they’re lost on mistakes. The team that makes the fewest errors usually comes out on top.”

Despite an exciting postseason debut, Drake Maye’s inconsistency with turnovers has placed extra pressure on New England’s defense and limited the offense’s efficiency. Averaging just 18 points per game, the Patriots are scoring fewer than any Super Bowl-bound team in 2026, highlighting a key concern: can their defense continue to bail out a turnover-prone offense, or will mistakes ultimately cost them the ultimate prize?

Julian Edelman also said the Patriots got past Houston because the defense made big plays and forced turnovers, but the offense still needs to be careful. Every possession matters, and the team must handle the ball smartly. Now the focus is on protecting the football and executing on every drive.

Edelman, the three-time Super Bowl champion (2015, 2017, and 2019) and Patriots’ Hall of Famer, is known for his grit and postseason heroics, making his warnings and insights ahead of the Super Bowl carry real weight for players.

With the championship so close, the Patriots know mistakes can’t happen. Edelman’s caution highlights the need for focus and ball security, while Maye and the offense must stay sharp to seize the title and finish the season strong.

Julian Edelman’s warning hits hard while Mike Vrabel puts the Patriots on alert ahead of the Super Bowl

The head coach, Mike Vrabel, is equally focused on preparation and discipline. In his first season leading the Patriots, Vrabel is just one win away from a Super Bowl appearance and is making sure the team understands the stakes.

“Take care of the ball. Don’t let the quarterback get hit,” Vrabel said on WEEI’s Greg Hill Show on January 19.

Vrabel’s words weren’t just advice; they were a warning. Protecting the quarterback and avoiding turnovers became the team’s focus.

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Vrabel shared that he focuses on daily preparation, keeping his mindset steady, and avoiding disappointment. He doesn’t get caught up in pressure or hype. Instead, he works to get the Patriots ready, doing his best for the team and ensuring everyone is focused and prepared for the Super Bowl.

With Julian Edelman’s warning and Mike Vrabel’s strict focus, the Patriots have shown discipline and determination. Maye and the offense must stay sharp, avoid mistakes, and protect the football. Their preparation, focus, and execution will decide if New England can cap a remarkable season with a Super Bowl victory.