Backup signal‑caller Drew Lock stepped in and engineered two late‑game scoring drives, while Seattle’s defense intercepted New England quarterback Drake Maye three times in the fourth quarter to overcome an early setback caused by Sam Darnold’s hip injury and secure a 13‑10 victory in the season‑opening rematch of the Super Bowl. Seattle’s offense was virtually silent for the first three quarters, managing only a single field goal.
The lack of production was largely due to Darnold’s injury on the very first drive, when a third‑down sack by Dre'Mont Jones left the starter limping and forced him out of the game. After a brief assessment in the medical tent, Darnold was escorted to the locker room, leaving the Seahawks to rely on Lock, who had thrown just three passes all of the previous season. Lock’s entry did not immediately spark a resurgence; the Seahawks continued to struggle to move the ball and were down 10‑0 after the Patriots struck first.
New England’s opening score came after a deep flea‑flicker attempt that was disrupted by Seattle defender Josh Jobe, setting up a short‑yard touchdown pass from Maye to rookie Eli Raridon. The Patriots added a second field goal in the second half when a roughing‑the‑punter penalty on Chazz Surratt gave Andy Borregales a 50‑yard opportunity, extending the lead to 10‑0.
The tide began to turn in the third quarter when Lock finally found his rhythm, connecting with wide receiver Jaxon Smith‑Njigba on a 45‑yard pass that resulted in a field goal, cutting the deficit to 10‑7. The pivotal moment arrived on fourth‑and‑one after a turnover by Seattle safety Nehemiah Pritchett.
Lock capitalized on the fresh set of downs, delivering a precise strike to Smith‑Njigba that put the Seahawks in field‑goal range. Kicker Jason Myers nailed a 26‑yard kick, giving Seattle a 13‑10 lead. The Patriots, refusing to surrender, drove deep into Seattle territory in the final minute. Maye, who had already thrown two interceptions earlier, managed to convert two crucial fourth‑down attempts, positioning the Patriots inside the red zone.
However, his attempt to find Mack Hollins on third‑and‑five from the 16‑yard line fell short, and Josh Jobe swooped in for a toe‑tapping interception in the end zone, sealing the win for the home crowd. Seattle’s defense, which had been the difference throughout the night, continued to apply pressure.
Julian Love intercepted Maye on the drive that followed the Patriots’ first score, setting up the field‑goal that gave the Seahawks the lead. Earlier, the defense had already forced three turnovers, a direct result of Maye’s aggressive but errant throws, which ultimately cost New England the game.
The atmosphere at the stadium was charged with nostalgia and anticipation. The opening ceremony featured the raising of the Super Bowl banner and a montage of highlights from the previous championship, marking the third time in Week One that the league has staged a Super Bowl rematch. The last occurrence was in 2016 when the Denver Broncos celebrated their title by defeating the Carolina Panthers.
Head coach Mike Macdonald addressed the media after the game, confirming that Darnold’s hip injury, while painful, did not involve a fracture. "We were able to rule out a break," Macdonald said, describing the diagnosis as "positive" in the sense that the player could recover without surgery. Darnold, who threw for 4,048 yards, 25 touchdowns and 14 interceptions last season en route to a Super Bowl victory, remains a key piece of Seattle’s future plans.
Lock’s performance, though limited in statistical volume, demonstrated poise under pressure. His ability to execute two decisive drives in the fourth quarter earned praise from teammates. Wide receiver Smith‑Njigba remarked, "It’s tough losing Sam, but we have each other’s backs. We trust Drew to come in and do his thing, and he’s delivered when it mattered most." Maye, on the other hand, was candid about his mistakes.
"I tried to force a throw to Romeo and lost patience," he admitted, acknowledging that his three‑interception night was a first in his career. He reflected on the importance of patience and ball security, noting that the Patriots had been effective at moving the chains and avoiding three‑and‑outs until his forced decisions tipped the balance. Looking ahead, the 2026 NFL season promises a host of storylines, from Super Bowl predictions to MVP races.
The opening game set an early tone for both teams: Seattle showed resilience and depth at quarterback, while New England will need to tighten its passing game to avoid costly turnovers. Fans can continue to follow the action on Sky Sports, which will broadcast every minute of the regular season, the playoffs, and Super Bowl LXI on February 14, 2027.
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