The New England Patriots controlled the first half, led 10–0 in the third quarter and had an opportunity to force overtime in the final seconds. They still found a way to lose.
Seattle scored 13 unanswered points and escaped with a 13–10 victory despite losing starting quarterback Sam Darnold to a hip injury on the opening drive. Backup Drew Lock stepped in and delivered an efficient performance, completing 16 of 22 passes for 187 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions.
Drake Maye started brilliantly, completing 10 of his first 12 passes, but his performance unraveled. He finished 23-of-33 for 178 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions. His final interception came with New England at Seattle’s 16-yard line and only 26 seconds remaining. Already within range for the tying field goal, Maye forced a pass toward Mack Hollins in the end zone, and Josh Jobe ended the game with the interception.
Maye displayed toughness throughout the final drive, converting two fourth downs and finishing with 47 rushing yards. But the turnovers ultimately erased those clutch moments.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba powered Seattle’s comeback with eight receptions for 122 yards, including a 45-yard touchdown on 4th-and-1 that tied the game at 10. A.J. Brown caught three passes for 26 yards, all before halftime, and disappeared when New England needed its new go-to receiver most.
The Patriots ran 67 plays to Seattle’s 48 and produced 19 first downs to Seattle’s 13. Seattle also committed 10 penalties for 98 yards. None of it mattered because New England lost the turnover battle 3–0, went just 5-for-16 on third down and averaged only 4.1 yards per play.
New England’s defense did enough to win. Holding the defending champions to 13 points and 285 yards should have been sufficient, especially after Darnold left the game. The offense failed to finish the job.
This loss belongs primarily to Maye and the Patriots’ offense. New England had the lead, the ball and ultimately a chance to extend the game. Three interceptions, including one in the end zone with overtime available, turned a winnable opener into a painful defeat.
