FOXBOROUGH — DeMeco Ryans knew Drake Maye was making his debut for the Patriots all week.
But while he had college tape and preseason tape, the Texans coach had just a little bit of actual game tape from garbage time against the Jets to evaluate the rookie.
So he was largely evaluating on the fly. But after the game, he came away impressed after Houston’s 41-21 win at Gillette Stadium.
- BETTING: Check out our MA sports betting guide, where you can learn basic terminology, definitions and how to read odds for those interested in learning how to bet in Massachusetts.
Maye completed 20 of 33 passes for 243 yards. He threw three touchdown passes and was intercepted twice. He was sacked four times, but Ryans still liked his ability get out of trouble.
“As a quarterback, his escapability is really good for them and I think it’s a positive for him, like being able to pull it down and when things aren’t there, being able to make plays on the run,” Ryans said. “As rushers, you have to be aware that this guy can pull it down and run, take off, and you have to just understand that and be able to get off a block so I thought they did a good job of O-line blocking for them and him being able to find it when it wasn’t there and in the passing game, him pulling it down. That sets them apart, makes him a little different.”
