The Seattle Seahawks mounted a stunning comeback to defeat the New England Patriots 13-10 in the NFL season opener at Lumen Field, with backup quarterback Drew Lock orchestrating the rally after starter Sam Darnold suffered a hip injury.
Injury Update Provides Relief
Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald delivered encouraging news regarding Darnold’s status, confirming that initial tests showed Darnold had not fractured a hip. The injury forced Lock into action, but the setback could have been far more serious for the defending champions.
Lock Leads Dramatic Turnaround
Lock engineered the improbable comeback from a 10-0 deficit, leading a Seahawks offense that struck with precision when it mattered most. The turning point came via a 45-yard touchdown pass to Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who made a crucial play to keep Seattle’s comeback hopes alive. Jason Myers added the decisive blow with a late field goal to secure the narrow victory.
Patriots’ Struggles Prove Costly
New England’s defensive lapses proved decisive, with quarterback Drake Maye throwing three interceptions that Seattle’s secondary capitalized on throughout the contest. The Patriots offense, featuring rookie tight end Eli Raridon, couldn’t maintain its early offensive momentum after building the 10-point advantage.
Defensive Efforts Key to Victory
Defensive coordinator Aden Durde’s unit forced multiple turnovers that shifted momentum decisively. Cornerbacks Nehemiah Pritchett and Josh Jobe, along with rookie cornerback Rodney Thomas, pressured Maye consistently. Defensive back Julian Love and wide receiver Mack Hollins also contributed to the defensive showcase that prevented New England from extending its lead.
The Seahawks’ season-opening triumph marked a resilient performance, overcoming both early offensive struggles and the loss of their starting quarterback to claim victory at home.