Drake Maye throws first career touchdown pass with beautiful 40-yard strike to Kayshon Boutte

FOXBORO -- Drake Maye threw his first career touchdown pass for the Patriots on Sunday, and it was an absolute beauty by the 22-year-old rookie. 

With the Patriots trailing the Houston Texans 14-0 just ahead of halftime at Gillette Stadium, Maye reared back on a second-down throw and connected with Kayshon Boutte for a 40-yard touchdown strike. Boutte beat Houston corner Derek Stingley Jr. down the sideline and hauled in Maye's deep bomb for the score.

That touchdown strike not only inspired a lot of hope around New England, but also got the Patriots back into the game, cutting Houston's lead to 14-7 at the break. 

"Pretty cool moment," Maye said of his first career touchdown pass. "With this group you can push the ball downfield and make plays in the passing game. I just keep pushing it and I just have to keep making throws."

Unfortunately, turnovers and poor defense doomed New England in the second half, and the Patriots dropped their fifth straight game with a 41-21 loss.

Maye made his first career start for the Patriots on Sunday, replacing veteran Jacoby Brissett under center. He took some time to get comfortable and made a few rookie mistakes, throwing two picks (his second interception came off a deflected pass) and fumbling the ball on a strip-sack. He was sacked four times in the loss.

But Maye threw two more touchdowns in the second half and finished with 243 yards through the air on 20-for-33 passing. He was New England's leading rusher with 38 yards off five scrambles, and was even credited with a tackle when he brought down Caleb Bullock after his first interception. 

Maye will make his second career start in London, with the Patriots set to face the 1-5 Jaguars at Wembley Stadium in Week 7.

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