Drake Maye 28-yard touchdown gives Patriots 7-0 lead

The New England Patriots took an early lead against the Houston Texans in their divisional round matchup. Quarterback Drake Maye connected with receiver DeMario Douglas for a fourth-down touchdown, giving the Patriots a 7-0 advantage with 9:35 remaining in the first quarter. The drive was propelled by a 20-yard run from Rhamondre Stevenson, moving New England into Houston territory. The Patriots faced a third-and-14 but converted a fourth-and-1 with a 13-yard pass from Maye to Stefon Diggs. Head coach Mike Vrabel opted for an aggressive play on fourth down from the Houston 28-yard line, resulting in a short pass from Maye to Douglas, who completed the play in the end zone. Maye began the game completing 5 of 6 passes for 54 yards and a touchdown against Houston's highly regarded defense.