FOXBORO — Drake Maye made his debut as a starting quarterback, but unfortunately for the New England Patriots, their struggles continued in Week 6 against the Houston Texans. The Patriots suffered their fifth consecutive loss, falling to 1-5 on the season with a final score of 41-21.
However, there were glimpses of potential for the future as Maye threw three touchdown passes, marking him as the team’s leader in that category this season. The Patriots managed to score more points in this game than they had in their previous five contests. With Maye at the helm, there appears to be a foundation being built for the team’s youth.
Despite the encouraging signs, the Texans proved to be too strong for New England on this day. Houston found the end zone twice in their first two possessions, and they capitalized on three second-half turnovers by the Patriots, converting them into 17 points. Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud matched Maye’s performance with three touchdown passes while completing 20 of 31 attempts, and Joe Mixon added 102 rushing yards and a touchdown in his return.
New England’s performance was marred by four turnovers: Maye tossed two interceptions and lost a fumble, while tight end Austin Hooper also fumbled. The Patriots’ running game struggled without Rhamondre Stevenson, averaging just 3.2 yards on 26 carries for a total of 82 yards.
“Drake made some good decisions out there,” said New England head coach Jerod Mayo after the game. “He had some good reads, got the ball out of his hands quickly, and did well extending plays with his legs. We just have to be better. I feel like I let him down.”
Maye’s first start was a mix of highs and lows. He quickly faced challenges, starting with a three-and-out on the opening drive followed by an interception on the second series; however, the Texans were unable to capitalize immediately. Just before halftime, Maye connected with Kayshon Boutte for a 40-yard touchdown pass, narrowing the deficit.
The Patriots started the second half with momentum, but it quickly disappeared when Maye was strip-sacked, leading to a quick Texans touchdown. In the third quarter, Maye orchestrated a touchdown drive, culminating with a six-yard pass to Hunter Henry, bringing the score to 27-14.
Another impressive drive in the fourth quarter saw Maye scramble for a first down and set up a 35-yard touchdown pass to DeMario Douglas, making it 34-21. Unfortunately, the Texans responded decisively with a touchdown drive, including a 54-yard touchdown run by Dameon Pierce, sealing the game.
Although the Patriots did not secure a victory, the offense showed signs of life under Maye, who completed 20 of 33 passes for 243 yards, three touchdowns, two interceptions, and one lost fumble. He also led the team in rushing with 38 yards on five carries.
The four turnovers played a significant role in New England’s defeat, allowing the Texans to score 17 points off those mistakes. Despite the Texans having a minus-three turnover differential before this game, they ended up plus-three against the Patriots.
The Patriots’ next challenge is a trip to London to face the 1-5 Jacksonville Jaguars at Wembley Stadium. The Jaguars, who suffered a 35-16 defeat to the Chicago Bears, are already overseas.