Afrigather New England’s dropping streak was prolonged to 5 video games following Sunday’s loss to the Texans, however there was loads of positives to remove from Drake Maye’s first NFL begin.
The 2024 first-round rookie completed 20-of-33 passing for 243 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions within the 41-21 defeat. Regardless of getting off to a sluggish begin, which included a misguided interception on his third go try of the sport, Maye was capable of produce season-high level and passing yard totals for the Patriots whereas surpassing Jacoby Brissett’s two passing TDs for the season after only one full sport.
Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo described Maye’s efficiency as “encouraging,” however finally thought the staff’s general effort was a letdown when supporting the rookie’s first begin.
“I believed he confirmed lots of poise,” Mayo stated of Maye. “I believed he went on the market and managed the huddle, acquired these guys out of the huddle and, as soon as once more, made some performs. It is undoubtedly encouraging. From a team-wide perspective proper now, we let him down. It was his first sport and I really feel like I let him down. I am positive all of the coaches really feel like we let everybody down and we simply acquired to be higher.”
Maye’s shaky begin endured after his first interception because the Pats punted on their subsequent three drives, however throughout a two-minute drill on the finish of the primary half he started to settle in. With solely 16 seconds left within the second quarter, Maye positioned a pleasant deep ball to Kayshon Boutte for a 40-yard TD to chop an early deficit in half, 14-7, getting into halftime.
Travelling 51.7 yards within the air, Maye’s TD go to Boutte was the longest completion by a Patriots quarterback during the last three seasons, in response to Subsequent Gen Stats.
“That was type of my thought course of; give him an opportunity,” Maye stated of his first landing. “I believed type of the Texans was type of squatting us a bit bit. They got here out and challenged us and performed in man so tried to let one trip and provides Boutte an opportunity. He made a pleasant play, and it was fairly cool. I feel each of our first touchdowns, so a reasonably cool second. I felt like on this group we are able to push the ball down the sphere and make performs within the passing sport, so we have simply acquired to maintain ripping it and see what you want and I’ve acquired to make the throws, that is the underside line. Make higher throws.”
Starting the second half with the ball provided an opportunity for the Patriots to make it a sport, however Maye was strip-sacked on the opening possession, considered one of 4 sacks taken by the rookie within the sport. One other fumble by tight finish Austin Hooper made issues worse for New England, however Maye adopted that with a well-orchestrated, 75-yard drive that ended along with his second TD go to make it a two-score sport on the finish of three.
Maye’s second interception got here with the sport nonetheless in attain within the fourth quarter when Texans go rusher Will Anderson Jr. learn the rookie’s eyes on a display go, batting the ball up within the air and permitting Eric Murray to safe the decide deep in New England territory. However Maye confirmed diligence on their ensuing possession, zipping a pleasant 35-yard TD go to Demario Douglas to conclude an eight play, 70-yard march.
The Patriots protection finally soured Maye’s first begin, surrendering factors on 5 of Houston’s first six possessions within the second half. It is why Mayo felt he let the rookie down on Sunday, however he wasn’t trying previous the silver linings seen in Foxborough.
“We absolutely anticipate or count on him to be higher going ahead,” Mayo stated. “This was his first begin. Clearly, right here at dwelling, there was lots of expectations on him. I believed he dealt with it properly. Bought to construct on it.”
With the Maye period formally underway in 2024, New England will go ahead realizing what the No. 3 general decide is able to. His first begin noticed its ups and downs, however Maye will not be resting on the laurels of what was a hopeful starting.
“Shout-out to the followers,” Maye stated. “I believed they have been nice. It gave me goosebumps going on the market for the primary time. They stayed principally virtually the entire approach by way of cheering, and it was fairly candy to be on the market within the reds. Like I stated, I feel we did not come out with the win, and that is type of the purpose, particularly in your first begin. Popping out with a win, that might be one thing fairly particular. Bought to have the ability to watch the tape and be taught from it and bounce again. We have a protracted flight, so prepare for enjoying abroad.”
The Patriots (1-5) head to London for a Week 7 matchup in opposition to the Jacksonville Jaguars (1-5) at Wembley Stadium.
