New England Patriots QB Drake Maye is only a second-year player, but he's already established himself as a leader. 

On Friday, Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel spoke about Maye's leadership this season. 

"I think it's improving," Vrabel said. "I think there are things we're always trying to work on, whether that's as a coach or as a player, the things and the impact that we have on the football team that aren't physical, that maybe somewhat are emotional in our ability to reach players. Drake's part of that and working hard at it. Again, there's a lot of, I would say, as a quarterback or head coach, there's a lot more people that you have to impact and reach.

"So, I think that whether that's a skill player, running back or an offensive lineman, those are all just different personalities. So, it's getting to know all those guys and what are the things that they'll respond to."

Maye is an MVP candidate. He has 2,836 passing yards and 20 touchdown passes. The UNC product leads the NFL in passing yards. 

"Yeah, I think in our own personality, in our own way, we've talked about this ad nauseum," Vrabel said. "I mean, we're different people. I think it didn't take you guys long to figure that out. But again, he has to impact our organization off the field, just the same as he has to on the field. That's what you sign up for when you're a starting quarterback in the National Football League."

The Patriots are in first place in the AFC East with a strong record of 9-2. Maye looks like a veteran despite only being 23. He has just five interceptions on the season. 

Under Vrabel, New England is seventh in the NFL in points per game and fifth in points per game allowed. 

"We've had good stretches," Vrabel said. "We've had some plays we'd like to have back, and the only thing that matters is what they do on Sunday. We've had good continuity, like you mentioned, tried to maintain and get guys ready, making sure that the guys behind them are ready. But the only thing that matters is what they do on Sunday, how they play against the Bengals and what they're going to be able to do to us."

Vrabel and the Patriots take on the Cincinnati Bengals this week. Maye and Co. are expected to win to improve to 10-2.