The Seattle Seahawks opened the 2026 season against the New England Patriots in a Super Bowl LX rematch. Seattle overcame a 10-point deficit and won 13-10 after Sam Darnold’s hip injury during the first drive. The Super Bowl champions defense held a struggling Patriots offense in check. The game started with the Patriots dominating the game.
Seattle struggled to move the ball after Darnold left. Drake Maye started the game off well, helping the Patriots take a 10-0 lead with a touchdown pass to rookie tight end Eli Raridon. Drew Lock led the Seahawks after the first drive, and the offense was quiet for the majority of the game. Seattle finally got on the board with a field goal late in the third quarter and trailed 10-3 going into the final quarter.
Photo Cred: Clutch Points
During the fourth quarter, everything changed. Seattle’s defense dominated by putting pressure on Maye and forced three interceptions. The first interception led to a Seahawks touchdown. Lock threw a short pass to wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba on 4th and 1, who outran the Patriots defense for a 45-yard touchdown. All of a sudden, the game was tied 10-10.
Smith-Njigba was the star of the night, finishing with eight catches for 122 yards and a touchdown. He is continuing where he left off last season and shows that it wasn’t a fluke. Safety Julian Love intercepted Maye on the next New England possession. Jason Myers then kicked a 26-yard field goal that gave Seattle its first lead of the night.
New England had its final chance with 5:50 left in the final quarter. Maye drove the Patriots into Seattle’s red zone, creating a chance to tie or win the game. However, Seattle cornerback Josh Jobe made a great interception in the end zone with seconds remaining to seal the comeback victory. Maye finished the game with 178 passing yards, one touchdown and three interceptions.
Photo Cred: WBUR
The Patriots had more possession and ran 19 more plays, but Seattle’s relentless defense made the plays that mattered the most. This victory for the Seahawks showed resilience and determination. Despite losing their starting quarterback and being behind for most of the night, they still found a way to get it done. Lock provided just enough offense, and the defense changed the game with their pressure and interceptions.
