NFL Pro Bowler: Patriots Need ‘Superman’ Game From Drake Maye To Beat Texans

Drake Maye will encounter a monumental test when the New England Patriots face the Houston Texans in the AFC Divisional Round.

After winning his playoff debut, Maye must combat a lethal defense that finished the regular season first in yards allowed and dominated the Pittsburgh Steelers in the opening round. A star defender who faced Maye in October implored the 23-year-old to play the game of his life.

New Orleans Saints defensive lineman Cam Jordan declared Thursday on ESPN’s “Get Up” that the Patriots need a huge performance from Maye to advance beyond the second round.

“You know what he brings to the table,” Jordan said of Maye. “He’s turned into lights out, and he has to stay that way if he’s going to have a chance against the Houston Texans’ defense.”

The Texans began the postseason by stifling the Steelers to 175 total yards and scoring two defensive touchdowns in the fourth quarter. Meanwhile, New England’s defense also made a statement by pounding Justin Herbert in a 16-3 win.

Jordan anticipates a defensive battle this Sunday at Gillette Stadium, but Maye must rise to the challenge for the Patriots to prevail.

“In my mind, this gonna be defense vs. defense, not so much offense vs. offense,” Jordan said. “Because the way we saw the Texans’ defense take over the last game? You’re gonna have to be Superman. That’s who’s gonna have to be Superman.”

Jordan witnessed Maye’s ascension firsthand when the second-year star completed 18 of 26 passes for 261 yards and three touchdowns in a Week 6 victory at New Orleans. He’s since played himself into the MVP conversation before amassing 268 passing and 66 rushing yards in his first career postseason game.

Maye leads the Patriots into action against the Texans this Sunday at 3 p.m. ET on ESPN and ABC.