FOXBORO — It’s only been 15 months since the last time the Patriots faced the Texans, but if you ask quarterback Drake Maye, it feels like half a lifetime ago.

The Patriots’ 41-21 loss to the Texans last season was Maye’s first career start. He’s come a long way from a promising rookie who threw three touchdowns but also turned the ball over three times in that game, to now an MVP candidate getting set to take on the Texans on Sunday in the divisional round of the playoffs.

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“That feels like, shoot, 10 years ago,” Maye said. “It’s been a long journey. So, it’s just, I’ll take some time, probably, to just look back and see what the journey’s been like. I know it’s hard to do that in such a sped-up time in the postseason, where there are so many things you’re trying to do, finish and think about.

“But no, just takes some time to reflect. Running out there with the first snap jitters was pretty cool. It was fun to look back on. 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 Texans were 7-point favorites in that game against the Patriots in Gillette Stadium. In over a year, the odds have now shifted in the Patriots’ favor as 3-point favorites Sunday against the Texans at home.

Maye was asked Wednesday what he saw from himself on film in that game.

“Different schemes, so it’s hard to relate it to now. Some chances,” Maye said. “We’d won some in man coverage; we’re going to have to do that again. They’re really good in man coverage. Stayed ahead of the chains, enough to get into passing downs. We had a chance to come out of the half and had a strip sack. So, just little things like that. You’ve got to keep yourself in the game and know that a little play like that can flip the tides.”

Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans, who helps man perhaps the NFL’s best defense, has been extremely impressed with Maye’s growth this season.

Ryans praised the Patriots’ entire offensive operation, from Josh McDaniels’ playcalling, to the run game, but he specifically focused on Maye.

“I think Drake is doing a really good job of not making bad decisions with the football,” Ryans said. “He’s doing a really good job of utilizing where his players are open, he’s getting those guys the football, and I think Josh is calling it really well for him to get him easy plays and make good decisions.

“Where he’s taking that next step is his ability to escape the pocket. It really doesn’t get talked about much, but his athletic ability, his ability to escape the pocket has been really clutch for them. He’s made some big runs to really hurt a lot of defenses. So, we have to be conscious of that. He’s making good decisions. Good, young player, has a really bright future, can throw the ball at all three levels of the field very well.”

Maye did not play his best game in the wild-card round of the playoffs in the Patriots’ 16-3 win over the Chargers, but he came up clutch when it mattered and was able to beat the Chargers with his legs. He completed 17-of-29 passes for 268 yards with one touchdown and one interception while rushing 10 times for 66 yards. He also fumbled twice and lost one.

He’ll need to be more disciplined with the football this week against the Texans.