"We let him down": Jerod Mayo Applauds Drake Maye's NFL Debut, But Blames Patriots for Falling Short Against Texans

The New England Patriots' 41-21 loss to the Houston Texans was a disheartening defeat for a struggling team. However, a glimmer of hope emerged from the wreckage: the performance of rookie quarterback Drake Maye. In his first NFL start, Maye showcased his potential, providing a much-needed spark for a team desperately seeking a win.
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Drake Maye, the third overall pick in the 2024 draft, was tasked with taking over for the struggling veteran Jacoby Brissett, whose poor performance in the Patriots’ previous loss to the Miami Dolphins led head coach Jerod Mayo to make the switch. The 22-year-old rookie did not disappoint, finishing the game 20-of-33 for 243 yards, with three touchdown passes and two interceptions, ultimately surpassing Brissett's season total of two passing touchdowns in just one game.
Although the Patriots failed to end their losing streak, there were encouraging signs from Maye's debut. His ability to recover from a rocky start—marked by an early interception on his third pass attempt—demonstrated his poise under pressure. His performance breathed life into an offense that had struggled in previous games, with the 243 yards and three touchdowns setting a new season-high for the Patriots.
Head coach Jerod Mayo acknowledged the rookie’s strong effort, praising Maye’s leadership and composure on the field. "I thought he showed a lot of poise," said Mayo, reflecting on his quarterback's performance. "He went out there and controlled the huddle, made some plays, and it's definitely encouraging." However, Mayo was quick to note that the team as a whole had let down the rookie in his first start, stating, "I feel like I let him down, and I’m sure all the coaches feel the same."
Jerod Mayo told reporters "we let (Drake Maye) down," in his first NFL start.

Maye's work ethic was also highlighted by Mayo in the days leading up to the game. It was shared that Maye’s preparation and dedication were noticed, with the coach commenting that the quarterback "gets in here early" and is "a very hard worker and a competitor," traits that clearly run in his family.
Looking ahead, the Patriots aim to bounce back from their tough start to the season as they prepare for their next matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London. With both teams holding 1-5 records, it presents a pivotal opportunity for New England to secure their second win of the year.
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