4 Patriots Who Let Drake Maye Down in First NFL Start

1. Austin Hooper

Midway through the third quarter, Patriots tight end Austin Hooper scooped a low throw by Drake Maye just before it hit the Gillette Stadium turf. After momentarily stumbling, Hooper regained his balance and turned upfield before the ball was punched out by Azeez Al-Shaair. Texans safety Calen Bullock recovered the loose ball.

The fumble gave Houston possession in Patriots territory at the 31-yard line. Although New England's defense stood strong and held the Texans to a field goal, it wasn't a day where the Patriots could afford turnovers – especially ones that led to points.

Hooper also had the chance to make a play on a wild carom in the opening minute of the fourth quarter, but Eric Murray made an impressive play to reach around the Patriots' tight end to secure the interception. Hooper was engaged in blocking Murray on an apparent designed screen pass so he was likely not expecting a live ball in his direction. Even so, preventing another New England turnover at that point in the game – when the Pats offense was starting to click, stopped any hope of a New England comeback dead in its tracks.

The Patriots scored a touchdown on the drive preceding the interception as well as the drive following the interception.

The first-year Patriot finished Sunday with one catch (the play on which he fumbled) for 5 yards. Hooper was at the center of two key turnovers against Houston, and the 2024 Patriots just aren't built to overcome mistakes like that.

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