Drake Maye explains why NFL debut vs. Texans ‘feels like 10 years ago’

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Drake Maye explains why NFL debut vs. Texans ‘feels like 10 years ago’

Mark Daniels · MassLive

Thu, Jan 15, 2026 ·

3 min read

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FOXBOROUGH – Drake Maye remembers running out of the tunnel. He recalls the nerves that his body experienced during his first snaps. He also remembers how talented the Houston Texans ’ defense was and how a mistake can hurt the Patriots .

Last season, Maye made his first NFL start against the Texans. Although it wasn’t that long ago, a lot has changed for the young quarterback and the Patriots as they prepare to take on Houston in Sunday’s AFC divisional matchup .

On Wednesday, Maye said he’ll reflect a little on his journey as he prepares to face a talented Houston defense once again.

“That feels like 10 years ago. It’s been a long journey,” Maye said. “I’ll take some time probably to just look back and see what the journey’s been like. I know it’s hard to do that in such a sped-up time in the postseason, where there are so many things to do and finish and think about.

“Take some time to reflect on running out there with the first-time jitters was pretty cool. It was fun to look back on and hopefully a different outcome from the game. But definitely take some time to appreciate where we’ve come and how much work we still have to do, and myself.”

A lot has changed for Maye since that matchup, which the Patriots lost, 42-21. After the team won four games that season, Jerod Mayo and his entire staff were let go. That brought Mike Vrabel and a new offensive scheme to Foxborough.

Under Vrabel’s lead and with offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, Maye and the Patriots offense have reached new heights. The second-year quarterback earned Pro Bowl and second-team All-Pro honors as the Patriots just won their first playoff game since the 2018 season.

Last year, the Patriots were underdogs against Houston, but went into halftime down 14-7. The first drive in the second half, however, resulted in Maye being strip-sacked by Danielle Hunter . The Texans scored right after that and outscored the Patriots 27-14 in the second half.

Maye noted the Patriots run a different offensive scheme now, but said he learned some important lessons.

“We won some in man coverage. We’ll have to do that again. They’re really good in man coverage,” Maye said. “They’ll stay ahead of the chains. Not getting the passing downs and had a chance, you know, come out of the half and had strip sacks. So just little things like that. You’ve got to keep yourself in the game and know that a little play like that can flip the tide.”

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