FOXBORO, Mass. — It’s not as if the New England Patriots have been overjoyed after their 41-21 loss to the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium on Sunday. Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo stated he personally let rookie quarterback Drake Maye down. Veteran defender Davon Godchaux referred to as out the protection’s lack of “pleasure” following an “embarrassing” loss. These sentiments weren’t alone.
However there’s no denying the vibes amongst offensive gamers have 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 method to the quarterback change moderately than present enthusiasm.
It was completely different Sunday afternoon.
“I don’t like dropping, however simply what I seen in little spurts, I really feel like we’re shifting in the appropriate course,” stated Douglas, whose first profession landing got here on a 35-yard catch and run from Maye.
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Douglas stated his emotions have 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 shifting in the appropriate course. Maye’s efficiency had Patriots gamers actually excited 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 completely different. Bourne, who was held to 2 catches on two targets for 9 yards, stated he “actually cherished” Maye’s means to take successful and get again up. Patriots tight finish Hunter Henry stated Maye’s poise and resiliency stood out “in the beginning” to him, as nicely.
Bourne and others lauded the rookie for his pure management within the huddle.
“His aura — he has aura,” Bourne stated. “That’s necessary in soccer. Some individuals have aura, some individuals don’t. He’s type of a type of. He doesn’t need to strive, he’s that man.”
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Douglas added: “He received the swag to him. … I’d run via 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 essentially the most passing yards in opposition to Houston’s protection this season. With Maye behind middle, the Patriots regarded like an expert offense for the primary time this season. He can stretch the sphere along with his arm and transfer the chains along 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 essentially the most discouraging half of Maye’s debut, little question.
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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 offered that on the sphere and within the locker room. Now it’s as much as the remainder of the group to comply with swimsuit.
