“Patriots Fall to Texans 41-21 as Rookie QB Drake Maye Struggles in Debut”
After starting the season 1-4 with journeyman quarterback Jacoby Brissett, New England Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo decided to promote first-round pick Drake Maye to starting quarterback for Week 6 against the Houston Texans.
In his debut, Maye completed 20 of 33 passes for 243 yards and three touchdowns. He also led the team in rushing, carrying the ball five times for 38 yards, averaging 7.6 yards per carry. However, he was sacked four times and threw two interceptions, resulting in a disappointing 31.3 QBR.
The game was one-sided, with the Texans dominating the Patriots 41-21. On their first possession, C.J. Stroud led a 70-yard drive, capping it with a two-yard touchdown pass to Tank Dell with 9:13 remaining in the first quarter, exposing the Patriots’ defense.
The Patriots’ opening drive focused on establishing the run, with two runs up the middle and over the left guard before an incomplete deep pass to J. Polk on third down, forcing a punt. On their next possession, the Texans drove 45 yards, ending with a 10-yard touchdown pass from Stroud to Joe Mixon, highlighting the Patriots’ defensive struggles, especially in the secondary.