Rookie New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye provided the spark that head coach Jerod Mayo was hoping for late in the second quarter of his debut on Sunday against the Houston Texans. Maye lofted a beautiful 40-yard touchdown pass to second-year receiver Kayshon Boutte down the right side with 11 seconds left on the clock.

Drake Maye made his first NFL start in Week 6 against the Texans. The Patriots didn't win, but the rookie flashed potential in the loss.

Maye absorbed four sacks and four more QB hits from the Texans, who also flogged his teammates over a 41-21 finish. Patriots leadership believed Maye’s mobility and confidence would protect him from the punishment they had invited by dropping him behind the league’s worst offensive line.