Backup quarterback Drew Lock stepped into the spotlight on Wednesday night, engineering two decisive scoring drives that helped the Seattle Seahawks overcome an early injury to starter Sam Darnold and secure a 13-10 victory over the New England Patriots in a season‑opening showdown that also served as a nostalgic Super Bowl rematch. The game, which marked the first contest of the 2026 NFL campaign, was a tale of resilience, defensive opportunism, and a dramatic finish that left the home crowd at Seattle’s Lumen Field cheering.
The Seahawks’ offense was essentially stalled for the first three quarters. Darnold, who had been slated to lead the attack, suffered a hip injury on the opening drive after a hard third‑down sack by Patriots defensive end Dre'Mont Jones. The injury forced him out of the game after just a few snaps, and he was escorted to the medical tent before returning to the locker room for further evaluation. With Darnold sidelined, Seattle turned to Lock, a player who had thrown only three passes all season with the Buffalo Bills the year before joining the Seahawks.
Lock’s entry did not immediately ignite the offense; Seattle managed only a single field goal by veteran kicker Jason Myers through three quarters, while the Patriots held a 10-0 lead. New England’s scoring came in two distinct phases. Early in the first half, a deep flea‑flicker intended for newly acquired wide receiver A.J.
Brown was disrupted by Seattle defensive back Josh Jobe, creating a turnover that set up a short‑yard touchdown pass from Patriots quarterback Drake Maye to rookie running back Eli Raridon. The Patriots added a second score in the third quarter after a roughing‑the‑punter penalty on Seattle’s Chazz Surratt gave New England excellent field position, allowing kicker Andy Borregales to nail a 50‑yard field goal.
Despite the early deficit, the Seahawks began to claw back in the third quarter when Lock connected with Jaxon Smith‑Njigba on a 45‑yard pass on fourth‑and‑one, a play that followed an interception by defensive back Nehemiah Pritchett. The drive culminated in a Myers field goal, narrowing the gap to 10-3. The turning point arrived in the fourth quarter, when Seattle’s defense forced three interceptions against Maye, the Patriots’ rising star who had been the runner‑up for last season’s MVP award.
The first of those turnovers came when Julian Love stripped Maye and secured the ball, giving Seattle favorable field position. Lock then orchestrated a methodical drive that ended with a 26‑yard field goal by Myers, putting the Seahawks ahead 13-10.
The Patriots responded quickly, converting two critical fourth‑down attempts that moved them deep into Seattle territory. However, on a crucial third‑and‑five from the 16‑yard line, Maye’s attempt to hit Mack Hollins fell incomplete, and Jobe intercepted the pass in the end zone, sealing the win for the home team. In the post‑game press conference, Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald addressed concerns about Darnold’s injury, confirming that medical staff had ruled out a fracture and described the diagnosis as “positive,” meaning the injury was not severe enough to require surgery. Darnold, who threw for 4,048 yards, 25 touchdowns and 14 interceptions last season on his way to a Super Bowl victory, expressed disappointment at missing the opener but remained optimistic about a swift return.
Lock’s performance, while modest in statistical output, demonstrated poise under pressure. He threw just a handful of passes but made each one count, delivering the crucial completions that set up both field goals. His composure helped keep Seattle’s offense alive until the defense could take over the game. Maye, for his part, was candid about his mistakes.
He admitted that impatience and forced throws led to his three interceptions, a first in his career. "I stopped being patient and made decisions that ended up costing us the game," he said, reflecting on a moment when he tried to force a pass to Romeo Crennel instead of sticking to the short, high‑percentage throws that had been working earlier. The game also featured a ceremonial raising of the Super Bowl banner and a montage of highlights from the championship, underscoring the historic nature of the matchup. This was the third time in NFL history that a Super Bowl rematch opened the regular season, the previous instance occurring in 2016 when the Denver Broncos celebrated their title with a win over the Carolina Panthers.
Beyond the immediate drama, the outcome provides early insight into the narratives that will shape the 2026 season. Seattle’s defense proved capable of generating turnovers at critical moments, a trait that could prove decisive in a league where games are often decided by a handful of plays.
Meanwhile, New England’s reliance on Maye’s arm will be scrutinized, especially given his three‑interception night and the Patriots’ inability to sustain drives without the benefit of big plays. Looking ahead, the Seahawks will need to address the void left by Darnold’s injury. While Lock showed he can step in when called upon, the team will likely explore additional options at quarterback, whether through the draft, free agency, or further development of their backup roster. For the Patriots, the loss highlights the importance of protecting their quarterback and perhaps adjusting their play‑calling to mitigate risky throws in high‑pressure situations.
Fans can continue to follow the unfolding drama of the 2026 NFL season through live broadcasts on Sky Sports, which will also carry every playoff game and the upcoming Super Bowl LXI slated for February 14, 2027. For those without a subscription, the league’s streaming partner NOW offers a contract‑free way to stay up to date with all the action.