Despite a 41-21 defeat to the Houston Texans, the New England Patriots’ decision to promote rookie quarterback Drake Maye proved to be a glimpse of hope. Head coach Jerod Mayo’s decision was based on one clear belief: “Drake gives us the best chance to win now and going forward,” Mayo stated ahead of the game, via ESPN.
Although the Patriots dropped to 1-5 while the Texans improved to 5-1, Maye’s performance showed promise for the future. After ranking last in the league with 119.4 passing yards per game through five weeks, the Patriots’ offense improved under Maye’s leadership, providing optimism for a struggling team.
Maye’s start wasn’t smooth. He began his starting debut with a three-and-out, two interceptions, and a fumble, all within the early stages of the game. Texans’ rookie safety Caden Bullock even returned one of Maye’s overthrows for 29 yards before the quarterback himself made the tackle. The Texans capitalized on the Patriots’ early mistakes, going up 14-0 within the first 12 minutes of play.
However, as the first half came to a close, Maye started to find his rhythm. With less than a minute to go before halftime, Maye connected with wide receiver DeMario Douglas for a 22-yard gain, igniting a drive that moved the Patriots down the field, thanks to a couple of key penalties from Houston’s defense. With just 11 seconds remaining, Maye dropped back and threw a 40-yard pass to Kayshon Boutte, who made a beautiful catch in the right corner of the end zone for a touchdown. It was Maye’s first touchdown of the game and a potential sign of things to come.
New England’s hopes were short-lived, however, as Houston continued to capitalize on turnovers, scoring 17 points off Patriots’ mistakes. Maye lost a fumble on a strip sack, and tight end Austin Hooper also coughed up the ball. Early in the fourth quarter, Maye’s pass was deflected, allowing Houston safety Eric Murray to intercept the ball. Joe Mixon’s subsequent 20-yard touchdown run put the game out of reach.
Despite the four turnovers, Maye displayed flashes of brilliance. He threw for three touchdowns—more than veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett had in his previous five games combined. Maye completed 59.3% of his passes for 233 yards, a marked improvement over Brissett’s average of 139.2 yards per game. His second touchdown came on a 6-yard pass to tight end Hunter Henry, and his third was a 35-yard strike to DeMario Douglas.
While the Patriots didn’t secure a win, Maye’s performance showed potential. As New England looks ahead to their next game overseas against the Jacksonville Jaguars, there is hope that their rookie quarterback will continue to develop and lead the team to better outcomes.