Drake Maye throws three touchdowns in his first career start, but the Texans beat the Patriots 41-21

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – Despite all the debate and arguments in support of both sides, the New England Patriots' decision to promote Drake Maye this week was based on a simple argument.

“Drake gives us the best chance to win now and in the future,” said head coach Jerod Mayo.

In a 41:21 loss to the Houston Texans, Maye proved his head coach right.

No, the Patriots didn't upset a rival Texas team. New England fell to 1-5 while Houston improved to 5-1.

But after the Patriots ranked last in the league with 119.4 passing yards per game through five weeks and second-worst in the league with 12.4 points, the 2024 third overall draft pick improved both.

And he gave reason to believe he will improve New England's chances going forward.

The Patriots offense had started the afternoon with a page from the Greek myth of Sisyphus.

Maye began his career with a three-and-out, threw two interceptions and lost a fumble against the feisty Houston Texans defense.

His ground was rough, Texas rookie safety Caden Bullock returned a Maye throw 29 yards before the quarterback himself tackled the defender.

The Texans took a 14-0 lead in the first 12 minutes of the game before Maye broke through.

But with 53 seconds left before halftime, Maye DeMario Douglas played down the right sideline for a YAC-high 22-yard drive that sparked the drive. Two defensive penalties against Houston put New England further down, and with 11 seconds on the clock, Maye fell behind and had a clean lead than the Patriots' 2024 resume would have expected.

Maye uncorked a confident 40-yard pass into the right corner of the end zone, second-year receiver Kayshon Boutte accelerated the end of his route and broke away just in time to score the touchdown.

The Patriots were on the board. And Maye had thrown the first touchdown of what the Patriots hope will be many more.

Optimism, like the roaring (and no longer booing) crowd, would wane before returning. But New England saw reason for optimism.

Drake Maye did what he could in his NFL starting debut

Houston gained 17 points from turnovers alone.

Maye lost a fumble on a strip sack and tight end Austin Hooper lost another fumble on both ends of a three-and-out.

On the Patriots' first offensive snap of the fourth quarter, Anderson deflected Mayes' pass, setting up Houston safety Eric Murray for the interception. Joe Mixon's 20-yard touchdown brought the Texans to 17 points on turnovers alone.

Maye showed flashes before, after and between turnovers.

He threw three touchdowns in one game after veteran Jacoby Brissett threw two in five contests.

He completed 59.3% of his passes after Brissett completed 58.5% of his passes and threw for 233 yards after Brissett managed 139.2 per game.

Maye's second touchdown was a 6-yard pass to tight end Hunter Henry outside the play, and his third was a 35-yard dart over the middle to Douglas:

The Texans were too explosive and too opportunistic for the Patriots to win despite four turnovers. But the resurgence of the passing game, even on a day when running back Rhamondre Stevenson was sidelined with a foot injury, validated Mayo and the Patriots' decision.

Next up, Maye will continue his rookie year overseas, playing in England against the Jacksonville Jaguars.