Drake Maye ready for first NFL start

Drake Maye ready for first NFL start

Patriots

Maye is expected to make his first NFL start Sunday against Houston.

The Drake Maye era has officially arrived. Greg M. Cooper/AP Photo

With the 1-4 Patriots in need of a spark, New England turns to Drake Maye at quarterback.

The third overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft is set to make his first NFL start Sunday at Gillette Stadium as the Patriots look to get on track against the Houston Texans.

Gillette’s kickoff is set for 1 p.m. The match will be broadcast on CBS. You can also listen on 98.5 The Sports Hub.

Maye was announced as New England’s starter earlier this week, replacing Jacoby Brissett atop the depth chart. The Patriots’ offense needs an upgrade, with the team ranking last in the National Football League in passing yards per game (119.4) and 31st in total offense (250.8) and points per match (12.4).

But it won’t be easy for New England’s potential franchise QB, not against a towering Houston defense that leads the league with a 42 percent pressure rating. The Patriots will also be without running back Rhamondre Stevenson, who is currently out with a foot injury.

As the Patriots attempt to get back into the win column, Khari Thompson looks at five things to watch for in Sunday’s game, while Chad Finn offers his unconventional preview.

Follow here for live updates from Sunday’s game and come back after the game is over for some early observations.

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Conor Ryan is a writer covering the Bruins, Celtics, Patriots and Red Sox for Boston.com, a role he has held since 2023.