Watch: Patriots' Drake Maye throws first TD after rocky start

New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye. Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

Watch: Patriots rookie QB Drake Maye throws first TD after rocky start

By Clark Dalton | Last updated Oct 13, 2024 1:49 PM ET

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.

Maye's pass is picked off by Calen Bullock!

: #HOUvsNE on CBS/Paramount+
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— NFL (@NFL) October 13, 2024

He made up for his turnover, though, throwing a 40-yard TD to wide receiver Kayshon Boutte at the end of the second quarter.

Drake Maye DIME for his first career touchdown pass!

: #HOUvsNE on CBS/Paramount+
: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/psTLjZvOoK
— NFL (@NFL) October 13, 2024

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.

Clark Dalton

Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.

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