FOXBORO — Throughout the Patriots’ lopsided loss to Houston on Sunday, all eyes were on Drake Maye.

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That is, except for two: Maye’s. His eyes, seemingly every drive, were glued to DeMario Douglas.

The Patriots’ slippery slot receiver saw a team-high nine targets from his new quarterback and secured six catches for 92 yards and a touchdown. Douglas sustained the Pats’ first touchdown drive before halftime by making multiple catches, then scored on a 35-yard catch-and-run in the fourth quarter. He repeatedly pulled away from Houston’s tight man-to-man coverage, and gave Maye a safe outlet over the middle during the rookie’s first career start.

“(Douglas) is one of our best receivers,” Pats coach Jerod Mayo said after the 41-21 loss.” He can get open against anyone.”

Douglas’ 92 yards are the most by a Patriots pass-catcher since Dec. 24, 2022. He said after the game he predicted that morning he would score a touchdown.

“(I) think I spoke it into existence, and manifested it,” he said.

Douglas’ success against man coverage proved to be critical, as the Texans’ game plan involved blitzing Maye in obvious passing situations. Douglas was the only receiver who consistently sprung open, which caught Maye’s attention early. Eventually, the two connected for Douglas’ first career touchdown, and pulled the Patriots back into a two-score deficit.

“When I see man, I’m licking my chops,” Douglas said.

Douglas entered Sunday as the Patriots’ leading receiver, and will head into Week 7 with the most receptions (24) and receiving yards (245) on the team. The 23-year-old has come a long way since earning a single target during the Pats’ Week 2 loss to Seattle, and a loss two weeks ago at San Francisco, where he showed visible frustration due to a lack of opportunity.

Since then, Douglas has caught a dozen passes for more than 150 yards and a score. His chemistry with Maye has been expedited by the extra reps they take together after practice. Maye didn’t find a rhythm or the scoreboard Sunday until he hit Douglas for completions of seven and 22 yards before halftime, when Douglas also drew a pass interference penalty to extend the drive.

“I think (Douglas) down the sideline, that’s a great play on his part,” Maye said. “Just get the guys the ball, and that’s the biggest thing I’ve got to do. I think get them the ball and let them make plays.”

No other Patriots pass-catcher finished with more than five targets. After the game, Douglas cradled the football he caught for his first career touchdown.

“I’m sleeping with it tonight,” he said.