In a highly anticipated Super Bowl LXI rematch, Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold overcame their first series — and a 10-0 third-quarter deficit — to beat the New England Patriots 13-10 in the NFL’s 2026 season opener. Jason Myers’ 26-yard field goal with 5:50 left provided the winning margin.
Patriots quarterback Drake Maye struggled mightily in the second half against a stout Seahawks defense. He threw three quarterback interceptions, including one in the end zone with 21 seconds left.
Darnold injured his thigh while tackling on the final play of the Seahawks’ first drive. He only played five times and never returned.
But backup Drew Lock stepped up in his place, going 16-for-22 for 187 yards, including a 45-yard touchdown pass early in the fourth quarter on fourth-and-1 to reigning Offensive Player of the Year Jackson Smith-Njigba.
Maye hit Eli Raridon for a short touchdown in the second quarter, which got the Patriots off to a strong start on a pass interference penalty drawn by receiver AJ Brown.
But Brown’s first game with New England was unsuccessful. He suffered an ankle injury in the third quarter and did not return.
Box point | Pats-Seahawks live blog | Game discussion
Top plays from the Patriots @ Seahawks
The Seahawks will win without Darnold
The Seahawks have had to adapt without Sam Darnold, and Drew Lock has shown he can keep the team going if the starter is out for an extended period of time.
In his 42nd NFL game, Locke looked like a competent backup, mostly running first-year offensive coordinator Brian Fleury’s offense. With the exception of a sick third-down throw and pick in the second quarter and an illegal-shift penalty in the red zone in the third quarter, Locke has been consistent over the middle.
Early on, Seattle ran the ball frequently after Darnold went down, especially against rookie Jadarin Price. But in the second half and trailing by the Seahawks, Fleury opened up the offense and benefited his team. Locke’s pass to Jackson Smith-Njigba for a 45-yard touchdown was on the money on fourth down, and he also completed several intermediate passes.
Depending on Darnold’s situation, it remains to be seen how long the Seahawks will need Locke. But the Seahawks have shown they can win with their reserves. – Fate
Brown doesn’t do much for the Pats.
One reason the Patriots think Super Bowl Wednesday could be different — and why this team could be better than last year’s team — is that they added a true No. 1 wide receiver in AJ Brown.
Now, the Browns may be without moving forward.
Brown suffered an ankle injury early in the third quarter and was returned to the locker room for further evaluation and ruled out. Because ankle injuries tend to linger, the Patriots could be without a big offseason acquisition for several games.
But what made it worse was what happened after Brown left.
Romeo Doubs became New England’s No. 1 target. The Pats added the former Packer in free agency, and had a strong training camp, especially in the red zone. But the Dubs struggled on Wednesday.
May’s first interception came on Dobbs’ downfield target, though that was a poor pass. Then in the fourth quarter, the Dubs had a chance to run down the field and threw a first down pass. On the next play, Maye threw his second interception of the night, setting up Seattle’s field goal.
The Pats will be hoping for a quick recovery from Brown, and they’ll need Doubs to bounce back from his rough debut. – Graph
This story will be updated.
