Drake Maye's game against the Texans was the first of its kind in over 74 years

Drake Maye's game against the Texans was the first of its kind in over 74 years and originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

Was Sunday's game against the Houston Texans the best 20-point loss in New England Patriots history?

Hear us out: Yes, the Patriots were outclassed by the Texans in a 41-21 loss, dropping them to 1-5 on the season. But the story of the New England game was the play of rookie quarterback Drake Maye, who threw three touchdown passes in his first NFL start and showed real promise that he can be the team's franchise QB.

Maye made many errors, including three costly turnovers (two interceptions and one fumble). But his raw talent also shone: The No. 3 overall pick completed 20 of 33 passes for 243 yards — the most by a Patriots quarterback this season — and also led the team in rushing with 38 yards on five attempts.

When was the last time a QB threw at least three touchdown passes and led his team in rushing in his first NFL start? Accordingly Dante Koplowitz-Fleming of NFL Researchit has never happened and has not happened in the Super Bowl era any NFL game since at least 1950.

Maye's three touchdown passes alone were historic: The North Carolina product is only the second QB in Patriots history to throw three TD passes in his first NFL start. (The other? Tom Yewcic in 1962.)

And even with Mayes' three turnovers, his stats compare quite favorably to other notable Patriots QBs in their first NFL start:

• Drew Bledsoe (1993): 14 for 30, 148 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT, 69.9 passer rating

• Tom Brady (2001): 13 for 23, 168 yards, 0 TD, 0 INT, 79.6 passer rating

• Mac Jones (2021): 29 for 39, 281 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT, 102.6 passer rating

• Drake Maye (2024): 20 for 33, 243 yards, 3 TD, 2 INT, 88.3 passer rating

We shouldn't draw too many conclusions from one look. But considering how low the bar was on Sunday, Jacoby Brissett threw two touchdown passes in total in New England's last five games – Maye's performance should give Patriots fans optimism, especially with his ability to extend games with his athleticism.

Maye's next test will come in London when the Patriots take on the 5-1 Jacksonville Jaguars at Wembley Stadium next Sunday.