Taylor Kyles of Pats Pulpit joins BRB for five questions.
It’s hard to find a more brutal matchup historically for the Houston Texans than their sojourn to Foxboro this Sunday. They have lost nine contests by an average approaching 20 points and that is including two playoff games. Yet, they walk into the game as 6.5 point favorites according to the Fanduel sportsbook. The combination of these two facts will be entertaining to watch on Sunday.
The New England Patriots come in on the heels of a four game losing streak that has seen them bench their placeholder quarterback and go to the quarterback of the future. Are the Texans the right opponent for him to make his maiden voyage? We talked to Taylor Kyles of our sister site Pats Pulpit. We started the conversation on Maye and moved on from there.
Battle Red Blog: This will be Drake Maye’s first NFL start. What do you think we can expect from him on Sunday?
Taylor Kyles: Frankly, I’m still trying to figure it out! Jacoby Brissett performed admirably behind a patchwork offensive line, but Drake Maye brings a much more versatile skill set that should open the playbook.
Maye had the athleticism to contribute from moving pockets, on designed runs, and off-schedule. But at his heart, Maye is a pocket passer who wants to attack the deep part of the field.
I’d expect a lot of runs to protect the 22-year old, play action and screens to keep Houston honest, and a mix of downfield shots and quick-hitters from Emory and in the dropbacks game.
BRB: This is Jerod Mayo’s first season as a coach. How do you think he has done so far? How does he differ from Belichick?
TK: I think Jerod Mayo’s been put in some tough spots early on. On top of replacing the literal GOAT, he’s lost several key players and captains on top of having an often see handicapped by a struggling passer. His star back with a fumbling problem.
That said, Mayo’s defense has taken steps forward each week despite crucial losses. The team has also made it clear they’re rallying around him. In a season where we’re seeing players speak out against leadership early on, the same hasn’t happened in Foxboro. I think that’s notable given their rocky start.
BRB: Who are some players on either side of the ball that we may not have heard from but will make a big impact on Sunday?
TK: DeMario Douglas may not be a household name, but he’s an elite separator with untapped potential downfield. Don’t be surprised if he catches a slot fade, and potentially his first career touchdown, from Maye.
Defensively, Davon Godchaux has been a force against the run this season. No interior defensive lineman has more run stops, and he could go up against old nemesis Laremy Tunsil in five-man fronts.
BRB: The AFC East is suddenly more competitive with the Bills mini streak. How do you see the division shaking out? Which divisional opponent do Pats fans enjoy beating the most?
TK: Frankly, I think it’s way too early given the sudden shifts throughout the division. The Bills are no strangers to late-season comebacks, Tua Tagovailoa’s status is still uncertain, New England just turned to Drake Maye, and the Jets have made significant coaching changes.
If I had to make a spicy guess, I’d say the Bills finish on top, the Jets rebound enough to make a playoff run, the Patriots make a surge for third under Maye, and Miami tanks for [insert top quarterback here].
BRB: Fanduel has the Texans (-6.5) favored to win. How do you see the game playing out? Are there any prop bets you feel comfortable recommending?
I think the Patriots’ defense will drag the Texans into the mud and make this a close fight. Neither team will pass 25 points, but whichever group controls the line of scrimmage will win.
Joe Mixon could play this weekend, which would shake up my prediction, but I think New England rallied around Maye and pulls off the upset 21-17.
We want to thank Taylor for taking the time to answer our questions. We certainly have been in their shoes very recently and hope that Drake Maye and Jerod Mayo can help them turn things around. We want to wish Taylor and the Pats the best of luck this season. As per usual, we hope that luck begins on Monday.