As the New England Patriots prepare to face the Houston Texans this Sunday, all eyes will be on rookie quarterback Drake Maye, who is making his first career start. After a shaky start to the season, the Patriots have decided to bench veteran Jacoby Brissett, turning to their No. 3 overall draft pick from 2024 in hopes of revitalizing their offense.

Maye’s debut comes at a challenging time. The Texans boast the NFL’s top pass-rushing defense, led by Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr., putting intense pressure on opposing quarterbacks. The Patriots’ offensive line has struggled this season, leaving Brissett under siege with the highest pressure rate in the league. Now, Maye must step in and try to find success behind a unit that hasn’t provided much protection.

There are several key things to watch in this matchup. First, how Maye handles Houston’s aggressive defense will be crucial. The rookie is known for his athleticism and ability to extend plays, which could help him adapt to the constant pressure. Second, New England’s game plan is expected to remain the same, despite the change at quarterback. Maye will need to play with rhythm and trust his teammates to execute efficiently.

Another point of interest will be whether the Patriots’ defense can keep Houston’s offense in check, giving Maye more opportunities to make an impact. As Maye steps into the spotlight, New England is hoping this transition sparks a positive change in their season.

With the rookie under center, Patriots fans are eager to see if Maye can lead them to a much-needed victory and kick off a new era for the franchise.

Summary

As Drake Maye gears up for his first NFL start against the Houston Texans, several key factors are worth watching. Maye faces a stiff test from the Texans’ defense, which leads the league in pressure rate. Protecting Maye from star pass-rushers like Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr. will be crucial. Additionally, how the Patriots adjust their offensive strategy to support the rookie, and whether their defense can contain the Texans’ offense, will be pivotal to Maye’s debut success【45†source】【36†source】.