How far we’ve come.At this time last year, the New England Patriots finished the season at the bottom of the league with a 4-13 record and questions surrounding the team’s future and their quarterback.Fast forward to Wednesday, and the team is preparing to face a tough Houston Texans team in the AFC Divisional Round at Gillette Stadium.Quarterback Drake Maye said come Sunday, the team will focus on the task at hand and protecting the football.”We’ve got our hands full, we know it’s gonna be a tough game, we gotta play the game the right way,” Maye said at his weekly press conference. “They’re relentless. They’re great up front, they’re great in the back end, they’ve got great linemen, great coaching.”Maye’s first NFL start came against the Texans, a 41-21 loss for the Patriots.In his second career postseason start, the former No. 3 overall pick said it’s been a whirlwind ever since.”That feels like, shoot, 10 years ago. It’s been a long journey,” Maye said. “We’ll hopefully have a different outcome from the game, but definitely take some time to appreciate where we’ve come and how much work we still have to do, especially myself.”The 23-year-old quarterback said it’s quite the opportunity for the team to still be standing, and he looks forward to the fans bringing the noise on Sunday. And fans who spoke with NewsCenter 5 are more than ready to answer the call.”The energy is back in this area, and we’re jumping onboard with that energy, and we’re going to be here on Sunday with bells on, the Erickson family will be here!” said Andy Erickson.

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. —

How far we’ve come.

At this time last year, the New England Patriots finished the season at the bottom of the league with a 4-13 record and questions surrounding the team’s future and their quarterback.

Fast forward to Wednesday, and the team is preparing to face a tough Houston Texans team in the AFC Divisional Round at Gillette Stadium.

Quarterback Drake Maye said come Sunday, the team will focus on the task at hand and protecting the football.

“We’ve got our hands full, we know it’s gonna be a tough game, we gotta play the game the right way,” Maye said at his weekly press conference. “They’re relentless. They’re great up front, they’re great in the back end, they’ve got great linemen, great coaching.”

Maye’s first NFL start came against the Texans, a 41-21 loss for the Patriots.

In his second career postseason start, the former No. 3 overall pick said it’s been a whirlwind ever since.

“That feels like, shoot, 10 years ago. It’s been a long journey,” Maye said. “We’ll hopefully have a different outcome from the game, but definitely take some time to appreciate where we’ve come and how much work we still have to do, especially myself.”

The 23-year-old quarterback said it’s quite the opportunity for the team to still be standing, and he looks forward to the fans bringing the noise on Sunday.

And fans who spoke with NewsCenter 5 are more than ready to answer the call.

“The energy is back in this area, and we’re jumping onboard with that energy, and we’re going to be here on Sunday with bells on, the Erickson family will be here!” said Andy Erickson.