The Seattle Seahawks are defending Super Bowl champions and defended their title in Week 1 despite adversity. Despite losing starting quarterback Sam Darnold in their first offensive series, the Seahawks came back from a 10-0 deficit to defeat the New England Patriots 13-10 on Wednesday in a rematch of the Super Bowl to open the 2026 FNL regular season.
That gives them the initial lead in the NFC West before they face the Arizona Cardinals next week in Week 2.
Offensively, it was a struggle. They punted or had the first half end in their first six possessions. But backup Drew Lock threw a touchdown pass to reigning Offensive Player of the Year Jaxon Smith-Njigba in the second half, and kicker Jason Myers made two field goals, including the game-winner
with 5:50 left in the game.
The Seahawks only had 285 yards of offense against New England, but Smith-Njigba had eight receptions for 122 yards and a touchdown. The rest of the Seahawks pass catchers combined for nine receptions for 78 yards.
Rookie running back Jadarian Price rushed for 52 yards on 10 attempts.
But the defense held the Patriots to 277 yards and picked off Drake Maye in three straight possessions in the fourth quarter. Josh Jobe intercepted Maye in the end zone with 21 seconds left in the game.
The Seahawks defense picked off three passes, had three sacks, nine tackles for loss and six pass breakups.
The defending champions made a statement in Week 1. That defense is still fierce, and they can still win tough games, even with their backup quarterback.
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This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: Seahawks 13, Patriots 10: Drake Maye picked off 3 times in 4th quarter
