Bradbury is the favorite to start at center for the Patriots after signing a two-year, $9.5 million contract, but he’ll need to beat out third-round draft pick Jared Wilson. Wilson, whom head coach Mike Vrabel called “a quick learner,” has seen prominent reps at center and guard in his first NFL training camp.

Drake Maye wants to be the best quarterback he can be for the New England Patriots. But his goals for Year 2 of his NFL career go much further than what he does between the numbers.

Patriot fans, tired of four-win teams, want something to root for. With Mike Vrabel at the helm, Josh McDaniels leading the offense, a revamped defense, and Maye getting a legitimate weapon, there’s a renewed sense of optimism. And listening to the crowd Wednesday, it’s not hard to glean where they think the team’s bread is buttered.