Backup signal‑caller Drew Lock stepped in and orchestrated two decisive scoring drives, while Seattle’s defense seized three interceptions from Patriots rookie quarterback Drake Maye in the final quarter, allowing the Seahawks to rally from an early setback and defeat New England 13‑10 in the opening game of the 2026 NFL season, a matchup that also served as a nod to the previous year’s Super Bowl showdown. The Seahawks were limited to a solitary field goal for the first three quarters. Their offense sputtered after starter Sam Darnold suffered a hip injury on the very first drive, forcing the team to lean heavily on Lock, who had seen only three pass attempts last season. For much of the game Seattle struggled to establish a rhythm, and the Patriots capitalized on the early advantage, taking a 10‑0 lead.
Nevertheless, Seattle’s defense turned the tide. In the fourth quarter, the secondary forced three turnovers, each one shifting momentum and keeping the Patriots from extending their lead. The first of those interceptions came when Julian Love read Maye’s eyes and leapt on a pass, giving Seattle a chance to close the gap. Shortly thereafter, Nehemiah Pritchett snatched another ball, setting up a crucial fourth‑and‑one situation.
On that play, Lock delivered a crisp 45‑yard strike to wide receiver Jaxon Smith‑Njigba, who hauled in the ball and set up the field‑goal attempt that tied the game at 10‑10. The decisive moment arrived when Patriots quarterback Maye, who had already thrown two interceptions, attempted to drive his team into scoring position with under a minute remaining.
On a third‑and‑five from the 16‑yard line, Maye looked for his trusted target Mack Hollins, but the pass was tipped and intercepted by cornerback Josh Jobe in the end zone, sealing the Seahawks’ victory. Seattle’s offense finally found its footing in the final period.
After the early injury to Darnold, Lock’s limited experience did not hinder his poise; he methodically moved the ball downfield, mixing short passes with occasional deep shots. His connection with Smith‑Njigba proved especially fruitful, as the duo combined for multiple first‑downs that kept the Patriots’ defense honest. The drive culminated in a 26‑yard field goal by veteran kicker Jason Myers, giving Seattle a 13‑10 lead that would hold for the remainder of the game. The contest began with a ceremonial tribute to the previous season’s Super Bowl, featuring the raising of the championship banner and a montage of highlights projected onto the stadium’s video board.
This marked the third time in Week One that the league staged a Super Bowl rematch, echoing a 2016 meeting in which Denver celebrated its title by defeating Carolina. The early drama intensified when Darnold, after taking a third‑down sack from Denver’s Dre'Mont Jones, limped off the field. Medical staff examined him on the sideline before sending him to the locker room, where he was later diagnosed with a hip injury that, according to head coach Mike Macdonald, did not involve any fractures.
"We were able to rule out a break," Macdonald explained, describing the diagnosis as "positive" in the sense that the injury was not a fracture. Darnold’s 2025 campaign had been remarkably durable; he logged 4,048 passing yards, 25 touchdowns and 14 interceptions while guiding Seattle to a Super Bowl triumph. Drafted third overall in 2018, he joined the Seahawks in the offseason after reviving his career with the Minnesota Vikings the year before. His absence was felt, but teammates rallied around the backup.
"It’s tough losing Sam," wide receiver Jaxon Smith‑Njigba said. "He’s the head of the snake, but we’ve got each other’s backs.
We trust Drew Lock to do his thing; he’s proven that time and again." Patriots quarterback Maye, who entered the game with high expectations, reflected on his three‑interception performance. He admitted that his impatience in the closing moments cost the team. "I was trying to force a pass and realized I didn’t give Mack enough time," Maye said.
"I stopped being patient and made decisions that ended up costing us the game." The Patriots’ offense, while unable to sustain drives, did manage a couple of scoring opportunities. Early in the second quarter, a deep flea‑flicker intended for offseason acquisition A.J.
Brown was disrupted by Seattle cornerback Josh Jobe, leading to a short‑range touchdown pass from Maye to rookie Eli Raridon. Later, a roughing‑the‑punter penalty against Patriots linebacker Chazz Surratt set up a 50‑yard field goal by Andy Borregales, giving New England a 10‑3 lead at halftime.
Seattle’s defensive stand in the final minutes was highlighted by disciplined pass rushes and tight coverage. After the third interception, the Seahawks forced the Patriots into a three‑and‑out, then capitalized on the turnover to put the ball back in Lock’s hands. The ensuing drive featured a series of short, high‑percentage passes that ate up the clock, culminating in Myers’ field goal that put Seattle ahead. In the aftermath, Coach Macdonald praised his team’s resilience and the depth of the quarterback room.
He also emphasized that Darnold’s injury, while unfortunate, was not season‑ending. "Sam’s a warrior; he’ll be back soon," Macdonald affirmed.
The game’s broadcast included a reminder for viewers to use the Chrome browser for an optimal video player experience, underscoring the league’s push for better accessibility across platforms. Looking ahead, the 2026 NFL season promises a host of storylines, from Super Bowl projections to MVP races.
Analysts will be watching how Seattle’s defense, bolstered by the interceptions in this opener, continues to shape the Seahawks’ fortunes, while New England will need to regroup after a costly rookie performance from Maye. Fans can follow the remainder of the season, including the playoffs and Super Bowl LXI scheduled for February 14, 2027, on Sky Sports.
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