Backup quarterback Drew Lock stepped in and engineered two late scoring drives, while Seattle’s defense intercepted Drake Maye three times in the fourth quarter, allowing the Seahawks to rally from an early Sam Darnold injury and defeat the New England Patriots 13-10 in the opening game of the 2026 NFL season, a rematch of the previous year’s Super Bowl. The Seahawks struggled to generate offense for most of the game, managing only a single field goal through the first three quarters. The early loss of Darnell on the opening drive, when a third‑down sack by Dre'Mont Jones left him nursing a hip injury, forced the team to turn to Lock, who had thrown just three passes the previous season. Seattle’s offense remained stagnant until the final period, when Lock’s poise and a series of key defensive plays turned the tide.
In the first half, New England seized the only points, capitalizing on a deep flea‑flicker that was disrupted by Seattle defensive back Josh Jobe, allowing Patriots receiver A.J. Brown to be tackled short of the goal line. On the very next play, Maye connected with rookie Eli Raridon for a two‑yard touchdown, giving the Patriots a 7-0 lead. The Patriots added a second score early in the third quarter after a roughing‑the‑punter penalty on Seattle’s Chazz Surratt set up a 50‑yard field goal by Andy Borregales, extending the lead to 10-0.
Seattle finally got on the board with a field goal in the third quarter, narrowing the gap. The momentum shifted dramatically when Nehemiah Pritchett intercepted Maye, giving the Seahawks a chance to respond. On fourth‑and‑one, Lock delivered a precise 45‑yard pass to Jaxon Smith‑Njigba, who secured the catch and set up a field goal that tied the game at 10-10. The decisive moment arrived in the fourth quarter when Julian Love intercepted Maye once more, positioning Seattle for a go‑ahead score.
Jason Myers converted a 26‑yard field goal, putting the Seahawks ahead 13-10. The Patriots, desperate to reclaim the lead, drove deep into Seattle territory. Maye, who had successfully converted two fourth‑down attempts earlier, faced a third‑and‑five from the 16‑yard line. He looked for his primary target, Mack Hollins, but the pass fell short, and Josh Jobe stepped into the end zone for a game‑sealing interception.
Coach Mike Macdonald addressed Darnold’s injury after the game, confirming that medical staff had ruled out a fracture and that the diagnosis was "positive" for a less serious hip strain. Darnold, the 2018 No. 3 overall pick who revitalized his career with the Vikings before joining Seattle, had not missed a single game the previous season, finishing with 4,048 passing yards, 25 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions on the road to a Super Bowl victory.
Smith‑Njigba praised Lock’s performance, saying, "We trust Drew Lock to come in and do his thing; he’s done it time and time again. We’ve got each other's backs." The locker‑room camaraderie was evident as the team rallied around the injured quarterback, emphasizing the collective resolve that helped them secure the win.
Maye was candid about his mistakes, acknowledging that his impatience and forced throws contributed to the three interceptions, a first in his career. He reflected, "I stopped being patient and made decisions that cost us the game." His remarks highlighted the thin line between aggressive play‑calling and reckless execution in high‑pressure moments. The game opened with a ceremony honoring the Super Bowl banner, a nod to the previous year’s championship matchup. This marked the third time in Week One that the league featured a Super Bowl rematch, a scenario last seen in 2016 when Denver celebrated its title with a win over Carolina.
Overall, the contest showcased the resilience of the Seahawks’ secondary, the clutch performance of a backup quarterback thrust into the spotlight, and the importance of disciplined decision‑making on both sides of the ball. As the 2026 season unfolds, Seattle’s ability to adapt to injuries and capitalize on turnovers could prove pivotal, while New England will need to address its turnover vulnerability if it hopes to contend for the championship. Fans can follow the rest of the 2026 NFL season live on Sky Sports, which will also broadcast the playoffs and Super Bowl LXI on February 14, 2027, either through a subscription or the free‑to‑watch NOW streaming service.