In a thrilling Week 1 showdown that pitted two recent Super Bowl participants against each other, the Seattle Seahawks edged the New England Patriots 13‑10 on Wednesday night. The game, held in Seattle, featured a dramatic fourth‑quarter comeback anchored by three interceptions of Patriots quarterback Drake Maye.
Early setback for Seattle
Seattle’s starter, Sam Darnold, suffered a hip injury on the opening drive after a third‑down sack by Dre’Mont Jones. Darnold was forced to the sideline and later left the locker room, leaving the Seahawks to rely on backup Drew Lock.
Lock, who threw just three passes last season, entered the game with the offense stalled. The Seahawks managed only a field goal through three quarters, while New England struck first with a 7‑0 lead after a short touchdown pass to rookie Eli Raridon.
Lock sparks a late surge
Seattle finally got on the board in the third quarter with a field goal, narrowing the gap. Early in the fourth quarter, Lock connected with Jaxon Smith‑Njigba on a 45‑yard pass on fourth‑and‑1, setting up a drive that ended with a 26‑yard field goal by Jason Myers, giving the Seahawks a 13‑10 lead.
Defensive heroics seal the win
The decisive factor was the Seahawks’ defense. After the field goal, Maye attempted to rally the Patriots, but Seattle safety Josh Jobe intercepted him in the end zone, effectively ending New England’s comeback hopes.
Earlier in the quarter, Julian Love also picked off Maye, and Nehemiah Pritchett’s earlier interception set up the Seahawks’ scoring drive. The three turnovers turned a 10‑0 deficit into a victory, showcasing Seattle’s aggressive defensive scheme.
Key moments and injuries
Patriots wide receiver A.J. Brown left the game in the third quarter with an injured right ankle and did not return. Seattle’s S Nick Emmanwori was ruled inactive before kickoff due to an ankle issue.
Both teams struggled offensively after the early scores. New England’s second field goal came after a roughing‑the‑punter penalty on Patriots’ Chazz Surratt, giving Andy Borregales a 50‑yard kick. The Patriots could not generate another touchdown, and Seattle’s defense held firm on the final drive.
Looking ahead
Seattle will travel to Arizona on Sept. 20 for its next matchup, while New England heads to Pittsburgh on the same date. The win gives the Seahawks early momentum in a season that begins with a high‑profile rematch of the 2023 Super Bowl.
Fans in Seattle celebrated the banner‑raising ceremony that preceded the game, honoring the Seahawks’ 2023 championship. The victory, secured by a resilient defense and a steadying performance from Lock, provided a fitting start to the home crowd’s season.
Original reporting: KSAT Sports (San Antonio) — read the source article.
