Seahawks edge Patriots 13-10 in ragged 2026 NFL season opener

The 2026 NFL season kicked off under the lights at Lumen Field on Wednesday, Sept. 9, with the Seattle Seahawks edging the New England Patriots 13-10 in a gritty, mistake-filled game. Fans packed the stadium to watch the defending champions raise their second Super Bowl banner before a ball was even snapped. What followed, however, was a largely stagnant offensive affair marred by key injuries and late-game turnovers.

The Story at a Glance

The league's 285-game season began with a rematch of Super Bowl 60, though this iteration proved far less smooth than the championship meeting. New England built an early 10-0 lead, but Seattle clawed back in the second half. A 45-yard game-tying touchdown catch by Jaxon Smith-Njigba sparked the home team, while three fourth-quarter interceptions thrown by Drake Maye ultimately sealed the Patriots' fate and handed the Seahawks a 1-0 start.

How the Story Developed

The trouble for both offenses began early as injuries disrupted game plans. Seattle quarterback Sam Darnold lasted just five plays before exiting with a hip injury following a sack by Dre'Mont Jones. Forced to turn to backup Drew Lock, the Seahawks generated just 120 yards of total offense in a scoreless first half. Meanwhile, the Patriots capitalized on early opportunities to establish a 10-0 advantage.

The momentum swung decisively after intermission. Smith-Njigba took a short pass from Lock and wove through the New England defense for a 45-yard score, energizing the crowd and jump-starting the stagnant offense. As the Patriots tried to respond in the final frame, Maye threw three critical interceptions, including a game-ending pick in the end zone by veteran cornerback Josh Jobe that preserved Seattle's narrow victory.

Key People and Details

The game featured major personnel storylines on both sides of the ball. New England debuted wide receiver A.J. Brown, who made an immediate impact by drawing a crucial pass interference penalty in the second half before exiting due to an ankle injury. On the Seattle side, the franchise's new ownership group—led by patriarch Vinod Khosla after a record $9.6 billion purchase—watched their team secure a win in their debut.

Statistically, the game highlighted stark contrasts in offensive execution. Smith-Njigba finished with eight catches for 122 yards, serving as the lone offensive bright spot for the victors. Rookie Jadarian Price also flashed for Seattle, rushing for 52 yards on 10 carries while stepping into a larger role. For New England, the loss of Brown and running back TreVeyon Henderson (inactive with an ankle injury) left the offense short-handed down the stretch.

Reaction and Response

The gritty nature of the opener sparked immediate discussion among analysts regarding the offensive hurdles teams face in Week 1. While the defensive adjustments and late-game stops by players like Jobe drew praise, the struggles of both quarterback rooms highlighted the ongoing challenge of early-season execution across the league. Local fans, however, celebrated both the pregame festivities—including a rendition of the national anthem by Pearl Jam guitarist Mike McCready—and the resilient finish.

What to Watch

As the 2026 NFL season rolls into Week 2, the primary concern for both franchises centers on health. The severity of the injuries to Sam Darnold and A.J. Brown will dictate how quickly their respective offenses can stabilize. Observers will also monitor whether rookie running back Jadarian Price sees an expanded workload in Seattle, and how Drake Maye bounces back from a difficult multi-interception closing quarter.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Who won the NFL season opener? The Seattle Seahawks defeated the New England Patriots 13-10.
• Why did Sam Darnold leave the game? Darnold exited after five plays due to a hip injury sustained on a sack.
• What was the turning point of the game? Jaxon Smith-Njigba's 45-yard touchdown catch in the second half sparked Seattle's comeback.
• How many interceptions did Drake Maye throw? Maye threw three fourth-quarter interceptions, including the game-ending pick in the end zone.