Drake Maye's Modest Assessment of THAT Kayshon Boutte Catch

Patriots quarterback Drake Maye usually doesn’t need much help to look like one of the NFL’s top quarterbacks, but against the Texans’ strong defense in Sunday’s 28–16 divisional-round win, he got a boost from wide receiver Kayshon Boutte. Boutte delivered one of the game’s defining moments by hauling in Maye’s third touchdown pass with a spectacular one-handed catch over All-Pro cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. If not the best catch we have seen in the postseason thus far, it certainly is one of the best. Arguably, one of the best we have seen all season, including regular season.

Maye noted the similarity between that play and the first touchdown pass of his NFL career, which also came on a sideline throw to Boutte against Stingley. He praised Boutte for consistently making difficult plays and helping elevate the offense, calling the catch “pretty sweet” and crediting the receiver for being a major factor in the victory. Maye also highlighted the overall performance of the receiving corps and emphasized moving forward despite missed opportunities.

In addition to Boutte’s standout effort, Stefon Diggs and DeMario Douglas each caught touchdown passes. Boutte led the team in receiving with 75 yards on three catches, capping an impressive playoff performance. After a fast start to the regular season that was slowed by a hamstring injury and a concussion, Boutte finished the year with 33 receptions for 551 yards and six touchdowns.

Boutte has carried that momentum into the postseason. In the Patriots’ wild-card win over the Chargers, he caught four passes for 66 yards, further establishing himself as a reliable playmaker during New England’s playoff run.