Defending champions Seattle Seahawks overcame a 10-point deficit to defeat the New England Patriots 13-10 in the opening game of the NFL season, in a rematch of last season’s Super Bowl.
Seattle were dealt an early blow when quarterback Sam Darnold left with a hip injury during the opening drive. Backup Drew Lock took charge but the Seahawks struggled offensively for most of the first three quarters.
The Patriots built a 10-0 lead, with rookie tight end Eli Raridon scoring a touchdown in the second quarter before Andy Borregales added a 50-yard field goal. Seattle finally got on the board through Jason Myers’ field goal in the third quarter.
The Seahawks’ defence then took over in the fourth quarter. Nehemiah Pritchett intercepted Drake Maye after a deflection, and Lock soon connected with Jaxon Smith-Njigba for a 45-yard touchdown to level the score.
Julian Love intercepted Maye on New England’s next possession, allowing Myers to put Seattle ahead with a 26-yard field goal. Maye then threw another interception on the Patriots’ final possession, with Josh Jobe picking off his pass in the end zone with 21 seconds remaining to seal the victory.
Maye finished with 178 passing yards, one touchdown and three interceptions, with all three picks coming in the fourth quarter. Patriots coach Mike Vrabel said the quarterback could not afford to throw three interceptions, while Maye described his final turnover as “unacceptable”.
Lock completed 16 of 22 passes for 187 yards and a touchdown, while Smith-Njigba finished with eight catches for 122 yards and the decisive touchdown. Seattle coach Mike Macdonald said initial tests indicated that Darnold had not suffered a fracture.
The NFL’s opening week continues with the league’s first regular-season game in Australia, where the Los Angeles Rams will face the San Francisco 49ers in Melbourne.
