Seahawks Edge Patriots in Season Opener
The New England Patriots visited Lumen Field, witnessing the Seattle Seahawks raise a Super Bowl victory banner. This marked a win for the Seahawks in the previous championship against the Patriots. Patriots quarterback Drake Maye, a standout from last season, sought revenge alongside his teammates at the start of the new year.
The game concluded with Seahawks cornerback Josh Jobe securing Seattle’s victory with a third interception of Maye. The final play, a dramatic catch in the end zone, sealed a 13-10 win for Seattle.
Maye had brought the Patriots into field goal range with under a minute left. However, two interceptions in the fourth quarter allowed Seahawks’ Drew Lock and his team back into the match. Lock stepped in when Sam Darnold suffered a hip injury early in the game.
Jobe’s pivotal interception occurred at third-and-5 from Seattle’s 16-yard line. Maye attempted a risky pass to Mack Hollins, which Jobe acrobatically intercepted, ensuring his feet stayed in bounds.
Maye ended the night 23-of-33 for 178 yards, recording one touchdown pass to rookie tight end Eli Raridon—the first NFL touchdown of the season. Yet, his three interceptions overshadowed his performance.
Meanwhile, Lock was efficient, completing 16-of-22 passes for 187 yards, a touchdown, and no turnovers. Receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba excelled with eight catches for 122 yards. He impressed with a 45-yard touchdown from Lock, transforming a fourth-and-1 decision into a pivotal score after Maye’s initial interception.
Nehemiah Pritchett intercepted Maye’s pass intended for Romeo Doubs after top acquisition A.J. Brown exited with an ankle injury.
Julian Love thwarted another Patriots drive with an interception, aiding the ensuing drive ending in a Jason Myers’ 26-yard field goal, providing Seattle with the winning points.
Concerns loom over Darnold’s health following an awkward knee landing caused by Dre’Mont Jones’ sack. Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald awaits further diagnosis.
A.J. Brown, traded from the Philadelphia Eagles, logged three catches for 26 yards before departing the game due to injury.
The Seahawks’ victory alongside Lock’s performance drew effusive praise from fans as they started the season positively.