Drake Maye has an encouraging first start for the Patriots in a loss to the Texans

By BRENDAN McGAIR The Associated Press

New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye passes the ball during the second half of an NFL football game against the Houston Texans, Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)[ASSOCIATED PRESS/Steven Senne]

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — Drake Maye’s performance in the New England Patriots’ 41-21 loss to the Houston Texans provided a jolt of energy for a 1-5 team. The rookie made his first start and finished 22 of 30 for 243 yards with an 88.3 passer rating. With three touchdown passes, the 22-year-old exceeded the five-game total of Jacoby Brissett, whose ineffectiveness prompted Patriots coach Jerod Mayo to switch to the rookie. Maye was the No. 3 overall pick in the NFL draft. Receiver DeMario Douglas says Maye “gained confidence throughout the game.”