Seahawks beat Patriots in NFL opener but suffer Darnold blow

Seattle opened the 2026 NFL season by edging the New England Patriots 13‑10 in a Super Bowl‑rematch, despite losing starting quarterback Sam Darnold to a hip injury on the opening drive. Darnell’s limp after a third‑down sack by Dre’Mont Jones forced him to the sideline and then the locker room, prompting backup Drew Lock to take over. Lock’s offense sputtered through three quarters, producing only a field goal, but the Seahawks’ defense turned the tide in the fourth quarter, intercepting Patriots quarterback Drake Maye three times. After Lock connected with Jaxon Smith‑Njigba on a 45‑yard pass to tie the game, a 26‑yard field goal by Jason Myers gave Seattle a 13‑10 lead, and safety Josh Jobe sealed the victory with a toe‑tapping interception in the end zone.

Maye’s three interceptions proved decisive, especially after he had rallied the Patriots from a 10‑0 deficit with two fourth‑down conversions and a two‑yard touchdown to Eli Raridon. The first two picks set up Seattle’s scoring drives, while the third—made by Jobe—ended New England’s final push. The Patriots’ only first‑half score came after a deep flea‑flicker that Jobe disrupted, and a roughing‑the‑punter penalty on Chazz Surratt extended a drive that culminated in Andy Borregales’ 50‑yard field goal. The game followed a pre‑match ceremony that raised the Super Bowl banner and highlighted the 2016 precedent of a Week 1 title‑defending rematch.

Coach Mike Macdonald confirmed Darnold’s hip injury did not involve a fracture, labeling the diagnosis “positive” and noting the quarterback had missed no games the prior season, when he threw for 4,048 yards, 25 touchdowns and 14 interceptions en route to a Super Bowl win. Wide receiver Smith‑Njigba praised Lock’s readiness, emphasizing team unity. Maye, reflecting on his uncharacteristic three‑interception performance, admitted he lost patience and forced throws that cost New England the game, underscoring the fine margins that defined the opening night of the 2026 campaign.

⚡ Effects Interpreter