Backup quarterback Drew Lock stepped up in the final minutes, engineering two scoring drives that helped the Seattle Seahawks fend off the New England Patriots 13-10 on Wednesday night. The victory came in a season‑opening contest that also served as a nostalgic Super Bowl rematch, and it was secured after Seattle’s starter, Sam Darnold, suffered a hip injury early in the game.
Seattle’s offense was essentially silent for the first three quarters, managing only a single field goal. Darnold went down on the opening drive after a third‑down sack by Dre'Mont Jones, limping off the field and eventually heading to the locker room for evaluation. The injury forced the Seahawks to rely on Lock, who had thrown just three passes all season last year. While the offense struggled to generate momentum, the defense began to make its presence felt.
The turning point arrived in the fourth quarter when the Seahawks defense intercepted Patriots quarterback Drake Maye three times. The first two interceptions halted New England’s attempts to close the gap, and the third, a toe‑tapping grab by cornerback Josh Jobe in the end zone, sealed the win for Seattle. Those turnovers were crucial, especially after Maye had driven the Patriots deep into Seattle territory on two separate drives, positioning them to either tie the game or take the lead in the final minute. Seattle trailed 10-0 for most of the first half.
The Patriots’ only first‑half points came after a deep flea‑flicker pass that was disrupted by Jobe, allowing Maye to connect with rookie Eli Raridon for a short touchdown run, putting New England ahead 7-0. A roughing‑the‑punter penalty on Chazz Surratt in the opening drive of the second half extended the Patriots’ drive, culminating in a 50‑yard field goal by Andy Borregales that made the score 10-0.
The Seahawks finally got on the board with a field goal in the third quarter, narrowing the deficit. The game’s momentum shifted dramatically after a pivotal interception by Nehemiah Pritchett, which set up a fourth‑and‑one situation. Lock seized the moment, delivering a 45‑yard strike to wide receiver Jaxon Smith‑Njigba, who secured the catch and advanced the ball into scoring range. Jason Myers then kicked a 26‑yard field goal, tying the game at 10-10.
With the score knotted, the defense took over. Julian Love intercepted Maye on the next Patriots possession, giving Seattle favorable field position.
Myers converted another field goal, this time from 26 yards, pushing the Seahawks ahead 13-10. The Patriots, now trailing, mounted a final drive but were thwarted when Jobe intercepted a pass in the end zone, ending New England’s hopes. The game opened with a ceremony that raised the Super Bowl banner and displayed highlights on the video board, underscoring the historical significance of the matchup.
This was the third time a Super Bowl rematch opened a season, a rarity last seen in 2016 when Denver celebrated its championship by defeating Carolina. Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald addressed Darnold’s injury after the game, confirming that doctors had ruled out a fracture.
He described the diagnosis as “positive,” meaning the injury, while painful, was not a broken bone. Darnold, the 2018 third‑overall pick who revitalized his career with the Minnesota Vikings before joining Seattle, had a solid 2025 season, throwing for 4,048 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions en route to a Super Bowl victory.
Smith‑Njigba, who caught the crucial fourth‑quarter pass, expressed the team’s camaraderie, saying, “It’s tough losing Sam. He’s the head of the snake, but we’ve got each other’s backs.
We trust Drew Lock to come in and do his thing; he’s done it time and again.” Patriots quarterback Drake Maye reflected on his three‑interception night, acknowledging his impatience in the closing moments. After converting two fourth‑down attempts to move the ball into the red zone, Maye forced a pass to Mack Hollins on third‑and‑five from the 16‑yard line, only to have Jobe intercept it in the end zone.
Maye admitted, “I stopped being patient and made decisions that cost us the game.” The victory gave Seattle a morale‑boosting start to the 2026 NFL season, highlighting the depth of their quarterback roster and the resilience of their defense. It also set the tone for a season filled with storylines, including predictions for the Super Bowl, MVP race, and other major narratives that will unfold over the next year. Fans can follow the remainder of the 2026 NFL campaign live on Sky Sports, which will broadcast every playoff game and the upcoming Super Bowl LXI scheduled for February 14, 2027. Those without a subscription can stream the action contract‑free via NOW, ensuring that the excitement of the league remains accessible to all viewers.