Drake Maye of the Patriots Astounds with His First 40-Yard Touchdown in NFL
The game between the New England Patriots and the Houston Texans was brought to life when rookie Patriots’ quarterback, Drake Maye, delivered a spectacular performance. During the second quarter of his NFL debut, Maye threw a stunning 40-yard touchdown pass to Kayshon Boutte, a second-year receiver. With just 11 seconds remaining in the quarter, this play cut the Texans’ lead to 14-7, electrifying the Gillette Stadium crowd, who had had little to celebrate until that point. As a token of his first career touchdown pass, the football was handed over to Maye by the veteran tight end, Hunter Henry.
Inside the Game: The Key Plays
The successful second-and-2 throw was made possible by the offensive line and running back JaMycal Hasty, who managed to neutralize the Texans’ six-man rush, providing Maye with a clean pocket. Boutte, in a one-on-one situation against cornerback Derek Stingley Jr., skilfully caught the ball at the 2-yard line. Maye executed the throw from the midfield, specifically from the “Pat Patriot” logo.
This play was of notable importance, given that the Patriots had been struggling with similar situations at the half’s end. They initiated the drive from their own 16-yard line with 53 seconds left until halftime. A crucial 22-yard connection from Maye to receiver DeMario Douglas on second-and-8 set the drive in motion. Since 2020, the Patriots have scored three passing touchdowns of 35-plus air yards, with one each by Mac Jones, Cam Newton, and now Drake Maye.
Drake Maye’s Continued Success
In the third quarter, with a minute left, Maye threw a 6-yard touchdown pass to Hunter Henry, reducing the Texans’ lead further to 27-14. Despite absorbing a substantial hit earlier in the quarter and showing signs of fatigue, Maye demonstrated his resilience as the game progressed.
