The New England Patriots falling to the Houston Texans on Sunday was one of the most positive blowout losses in recent memory. A 41-21 curb-stomping at Gillette Stadium promptly ended with the Patriots dusting themselves off and leaving more hopeful than they’ve been all season.
The obvious reason for the inflated enthusiasm is Patriots rookie quarterback Drake Maye having success against the same Texans defense that bedeviled Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills the previous week.
It was Maye’s first start at quarterback, and he somehow managed to successfully attack one of the best defensive teams in the league. There were other standouts from the game as well for New England.
Here are five players worthy of game balls in Week 6: