FOXBORO, Mass. — It’s not as if the New England Patriots had been overjoyed after their 41-21 loss to the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium on Sunday. Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo mentioned he personally let rookie quarterback Drake Maye down. Veteran defender Davon Godchaux known as out the protection’s lack of “satisfaction” following an “embarrassing” loss. These sentiments weren’t alone.
However there’s no denying the vibes amongst offensive gamers had been extra optimistic after Maye’s first begin.
Patriots wideout DeMario Douglas, particularly, sang a unique tune than he did only a few days prior. Douglas was tight-lipped contained in the locker room Wednesday, shortly after Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo confirmed Maye was named the starter. The second-year wideout spoke to reporters with dejected veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett only a few lockers away, virtually awkwardly. Douglas, amongst others, took a business-like strategy to the quarterback change reasonably than present enthusiasm.
It was totally different Sunday afternoon.
“I don’t like shedding, however simply what I seen in little spurts, I really feel like we’re transferring in the best course,” mentioned Douglas, whose first profession landing got here on a 35-yard catch and run from Maye.
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Douglas mentioned his emotions had been solidified when he noticed the quantity 444 as he walked out of the coaching room. He famous the “angel quantity” 444 in numerology is an indication of transferring in the best course. Maye’s efficiency had Patriots gamers actually eager about the brightest of stars.
Kendrick Bourne was equally as optimistic. Bourne was “inspired” to see the potential of the Maye-led offense, noting it had been totally different. Bourne, who was held to 2 catches on two targets for 9 yards, mentioned he “actually beloved” Maye’s capability to take successful and get again up. Patriots tight finish Hunter Henry mentioned Maye’s poise and resiliency stood out “before everything” to him, as nicely.
Bourne and others lauded the rookie for his pure management within the huddle.
“His aura — he has aura,” Bourne mentioned. “That’s necessary in soccer. Some folks have aura, some folks don’t. He’s type of a kind of. He doesn’t should strive, he’s that man.”
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Douglas added: “He obtained the swag to him. … I’d run by way of a wall with him.”
The jolt to the locker room was a direct results of Maye’s on-field efficiency.
He threw extra touchdowns (three) than Brissett did in 5 video games. Maye (20-for-33, 243 yards, three touchdowns, two interceptions) led New England’s offense to a season-high in passing yards and recorded probably the most passing yards towards Houston’s protection this season. With Maye behind heart, the Patriots regarded like knowledgeable offense for the primary time this season. He can stretch the sphere together with his arm and transfer the chains together with his legs.
That’s to not say it was excellent. Maye accounted for 3 turnovers and the Texans scored 17 factors off these giveaways. That was probably the most discouraging half of Maye’s debut, little doubt.
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However Mayo and the Patriots inserted Maye as a result of they felt the offense wanted a spark. The rookie undoubtedly supplied that on the sphere and within the locker room. Now it’s as much as the remainder of the group to observe go well with.
