The New England Patriots hosted the Houston Texans on Sunday at Gillette Stadium, and they were handed their fifth loss in a row, falling 41-21.
New England made the switch at quarterback this week, starting first-round pick Drake Maye over Jacoby Brissett. The rookie looked decent in his debut, completing 60.6% of his passes for three touchdowns and two interceptions.
He was constantly under pressure with New England starting a center they just signed on Thursday and losing their starting left tackle and left guard in the game.
Those struggles along the line also significantly impacted the running game, as Antonio Gibson (who started with Rhamondre Stevenson out with a foot injury) rushed for just 19 yards on 1.5 yards per attempt.
Maye was actually the team's best runner, using his legs to find 38 extra yards.
The rookie was able to spread the ball around a bit, as he hit DeMario Douglas six times for 92 yards and a touchdown. He also threw touchdowns to Kayshon Boutte and Hunter Henry.
New England's defensive effort was embarrassing in this one. While cornerback Marcus Jones recorded an interception in the end zone, they didn't do much aside from that to inspire confidence.
C.J. Stroud completed 64.5% of his passes for 192 yards, three touchdowns and an interception. The duo of Joe Mixon and Dameon Pierce also looked unstoppable on the ground, as they combined for 178 yards and two touchdowns on 8.5 yards per attempt.
For a unit that was expected to be one of the best in the league, they look far from it.
Jerod Mayo's team is now 1-5 on the year, but they'll face another one-win squad next week in the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 7.
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