Patriots Suffer Fifth Straight Loss to Texans

In his NFL debut, rookie quarterback Drake Maye led the New England Patriots to a better offensive performance, scoring 21 points against the Houston Texans, but the team ultimately lost 41-21, marking their fifth consecutive defeat and dropping to 1-5 for the season. The Patriots' defense struggled significantly, allowing 27 points in the second half, with coach Jerod Mayo expressing disappointment over missed tackles and big plays, including a 59-yard run by Joe Mixon. Controversial officiating also played a role, as questionable pass interference calls on the Patriots gave the Texans crucial scoring opportunities early in the game. The New England defense allowed the highest points since 2017, and the team turned the ball over four times during the match. Despite some promising moments on offense, the continued defensive failures and penalties have left fans and analysts concerned about the season's trajectory.