New England Patriots rookie Drake Maye seems to be exhibiting the resilience a franchise quarterback needs in his first start.
On his second drive against the Houston Texans, No. 3 overall pick Maye overthrew wide receiver DeMario Douglas on a 3rd-and-4. Texans rookie safety Calen Bullock intercepted the pass.
He made up for his turnover, though, throwing a 40-yard TD to wide receiver Kayshon Boutte at the end of the second quarter.
In the first half, the North Carolina product completed 8-of-14 passes for one touchdown and one pick. Houston led New England 14-7 at halftime.
It’s not surprising that Maye is making some mistakes in his debut, especially in a matchup where the Patriots (1-4) may be overmatched. Houston (4-1) ranks third in the NFL in passing yards allowed (154 YPG) and is tied for seventh in sacks (15) through the first five weeks of the season.
However, Maye has talent. During Bleacher Report’s NFL Draft stream, Houston Texans star QB C.J. Stroud said he was the class’s most “NFL-ready” passer.
Maye seems to be showcasing some of the potential Stroud saw during the draft process.
