Seahawks rally past Patriots after Maye throws three fourth-quarter interceptions.
SEATTLE — A night that began with a celebration of Seattle’s latest Super Bowl championship ended with another memorable defensive performance against New England.
The Seahawks overcame an early injury to starting quarterback Sam Darnold, a sluggish offensive performance and a 10-point deficit to defeat the Patriots 13-10 on Wednesday night in a Super Bowl rematch. Seattle’s defense delivered when it mattered most, intercepting Drake Maye three times in the fourth quarter. Josh Jobe provided the biggest play of the night, making a toe-tapping interception in the end zone during the final minute to preserve the victory. The Seahawks entered the fourth quarter trailing 10-3 but completely changed the game with pressure and turnovers. Drew Lock, who took over at quarterback after Darnold left with a hip injury on Seattle’s opening possession, guided the Seahawks on two late scoring drives. His biggest completion came on fourth-and-1, when he found Jaxon Smith-Njigba for a 45-yard gain that helped Seattle pull even at 10. “Whatever it looks like in the first half, second quarter, like we’re going to make it right,” Smith-Njigba said. “We’re going to keep fighting until the clock hits triple zero.” The Seahawks then took their first lead of the night after Julian Love intercepted Maye on New England’s next possession. Jason Myers followed with a 26-yard field goal to put Seattle ahead 13-10. New England still had an opportunity to answer. Maye moved the Patriots into scoring range during the final possession, but his third interception of the quarter ended the threat. Jobe stayed with the play in the end zone and secured the game-clinching pick while keeping his feet in bounds.
Maye acknowledged the mistake afterward. “I was trying to get rid of it,” Maye said. “It was unacceptable.” The Patriots had controlled much of the game before Seattle’s late turnaround.
Darnold’s night ended almost immediately after a third-down sack by Dre’Mont Jones. He limped off the field, visited the medical tent and then headed to the locker room. Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald said early testing did not show a broken bone, describing the initial news as positive. Lock struggled initially after entering the game, with Seattle managing only a field goal through the first three quarters. But the veteran quarterback found his rhythm when the Seahawks needed it most. “I can't say enough about the defense turning over the ball,” Lock said. New England took advantage of one of Seattle’s early mistakes to open the scoring. After Jobe was called for pass interference against A.J. Brown on a deep flea-flicker, Maye connected with rookie tight end Eli Raridon for a 2-yard touchdown. The Patriots added to their advantage in the third quarter after Chazz Surratt was penalized for roughing the punter. Andy Borregales converted the resulting opportunity with a 50-yard field goal. Seattle finally got on the scoreboard with a third-quarter field goal before its defense sparked the comeback. Nehemiah Pritchett's interception gave the Seahawks another opportunity, and Lock immediately capitalized with the long completion to Smith-Njigba on fourth down.
The victory capped a dramatic opening night at Lumen Field, where Seattle raised its Super Bowl banner before kickoff and celebrated the franchise's championship history with fans.
Instead of allowing the early adversity to derail the night, Seattle finished with a defensive stand that could set the tone for the season. “We didn’t panic,” Macdonald said. “We still liked our plan.”
Injuries
Patriots: A.J. Brown suffered a right ankle injury in the third quarter and did not return.
Seahawks: Safety Nick Emmanwori was inactive because of an ankle injury.
Up next
The Patriots return home Sept. 20 to face the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Seahawks travel to Arizona for a Sept. 20 matchup with the Cardinals.
