The Seattle Seahawks are 1-0 to begin their title defense season, and it was done in a rather unconventional way as they were without starting quarterback Sam Darnold. But this is the Seahawks we are talking about, and we know they don't play in normal football games.
Seattle outlasted New England and survived the upset bid by forcing Patriots quarterback Drake Maye into throwing three interceptions on his final three possessions. The Seahawks' defense proved they are still just as ferocious even without Nick Emmanwori and Ty Okada in the lineup.
Football is officially back, and there's plenty to talk about. As always, we at Seahawks Wire weigh in. Here are our top takeaways from Seattle's 13-10 victory over New England.
No. 1 - Julian Love is the MAN
Seattle's lone healthy
safety, Julian Love, reminded everyone why he is one of the leaders on that side of the ball. Love has been an incredible Seahawk ever since the team signed him prior to the 2023 season. Quite frankly, I'm shocked the New York Giants let him walk in free agency. Against the Patriots, Love was the best player on the field. Love was everywhere, and helped set the tone early with a critical solo tackle on third down in the first quarter to end New England's second drive. In the second half, Love arguably gave the team a much-needed jolt with this crushing tackle of tight end Hunter Henry. Of course, the tide was turned when Love snagged another interception of Drake Maye to set up Seattle's go-ahead field goal that proved to be the game winner.
MVP so far of Seahawks-Patriots?
— Clint Goss (@NFLDraftDome) September 10, 2026
Seahawks S Julian Love has made multiple key plays tonight pic.twitter.com/wqxgsSVbdU
Drake Maye just connected with his favorite target: Seahawks safety Julian Love pic.twitter.com/8IokOj132u
— The Seahawks Wire (@TheSeahawksWire) September 10, 2026
No. 2 - Jadarian Price is going to be a force this year
Seattle immediately replaced Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III by drafting Notre Dame running back Jadarian Price in the first round this year, and the move is already looking like a brilliant one. Price was used sparingly, but it became clear why he was still a first round draft pick despite being the "back up" with the Fighting Irish. Price had 52 yards on ten carries, but showed off his elite speed and vision. Seattle's limited usage of Price likely had to do with the fact it was his first game ever and he didn't have any preseason snaps to get him up to speed. But I suspect he will be used much more in the coming weeks.
No. 3 - Seattle needs to clean up their penalties
There was far too much dirty yellow laundry on the field Wednesday night, and the Seattle Seahawks (namely their offense) was to blame. Seattle was flagged 10 times for 98 yards. You simply cannot give your opponent almost an entire extra football feet of extra yardage! The Seahawks' penalties helped kill drives, and even took a Cooper Kupp touchdown off the board. I'm going to give them a little grace overall, since this was their first game under a first time offensive coordinator. The starters also didn't play in the preseason, so a little sloppiness was to be expected. But now they know what they need to work on, and they'd better fix it fast.
No. 4 - Jaxon Smith-Njigba deserves every penny he's owed
The Seahawks made JSN the highest paid wide receiver in the history of the sport when they gave him a four-year extension worth up to $168.8 million. At this point, it seems as if the team got a bargain. JSN cooked New England's secondary to the tune of eight receptions for 122 yards and Seattle's only touchdown of the night. Somehow, JSN managed to escape five Patriots defenders on his 45-yard touchdown reception.
JSN hit the go-go-gadget turbo boost on this one! pic.twitter.com/91NN6SPKKi
— The Seahawks Wire (@TheSeahawksWire) September 10, 2026
No. 5 - In Drew We Trust
It seems as if the Seahawks dodged a bullet when it comes to Sam Darnold's health, as the team has ruled out a fractured hip. While that is good news, I wouldn't be surprised if he will miss some time. If that's the case, the 12th Man should have some confidence in Drew Lock. This is twice now he has delivered the Seahawks a thrilling win under the lights of prime time. Lock helped upset the Eagles on Monday Night Football in 2023, and he stepped up to meet the challenge on banner night against the Patriots. Lock was 16-of-22 for 187 yards and a touchdown, thoroughly outplaying Drake Maye on the other sideline. Next week the Seahawks have the Arizona Cardinals, and quite frankly, Drew Lock should be starting that game no matter what is going on with Sam Darnold's hip. There is no need to rush him back to play Arizona, not when they have a capable backup in Lock.
This article originally appeared on Seahawks Wire: Top Seahawks takeaways from Seattle's 13-10 victory in Week 1
