Drake Maye's 1st career TD was beautiful enough to make Patriots fans weep with joy

An ugly start for the Patriots on both sides of the ball seemed to confirm the initial assumption of how this game with the Texans would go. New England came in on a four-game losing streak, many of which were disappointing and avoidable, while Houston came in with one of the best records in the league at 4-1, expected to wipe the floor with an underwhelming Patriots team.

That's how the game began, and it looked like it would remain that way going into the half, with no help from the defense racking up penalties and the NFL officials having a penalty quota to hit mid-month.

Fortunately, Drake Maye had another chance to put some points on the board before the half, and boy, did he impress.

The rookie quarterback led the offense on a 5-play, 84-yard touchdown drive that ended with a 40-yard pass to Kayshon Boutte for the score. Gillette Stadium erupted, along with play-by-play announcer Kevin Harlan, in celebration of Maye's first touchdown of his NFL career.

It was the best way to infuse some life into an otherwise disappointing day for the Patriots and the fans in attendance. It was the best demonstration of why the new regime selected Maye in the draft earlier this year and shows what the Patriots will be in for as the Drake Maye era officially begins.

But it wasn't just the fans that were thrilled with what they witnessed, with some even shedding some tears of excitement.

Injured starting center David Andrews was first to congratulate Maye after the touchdown play.

It was also a big moment for Kayshon Boutte, who had a rough rookie year in 2023 but has really come alive over the last few weeks. He might not look impressive on the stat sheet, but he's done some good work for the Patriots recently.

That was clear with his teammates celebrating with him for making such an incredible catch, as well.

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