The Seattle Seahawks edged the New England Patriots 13-10 on Sunday night at Lumen Field, securing their first win of the 2026 season behind Drew Lock’s efficient passing and a defense that capitalized on three critical interceptions from Patriots quarterback Drake Maye.
The Seattle Seahawks defeated the New England Patriots 13-10 in a low-scoring defensive struggle on Sunday night at Lumen Field. The victory moved Seattle to 1-0 and first place in the NFC West, while dropping New England to 0-1 and fourth in the AFC East. The decisive factor was ball security; the Seahawks’ defense forced three interceptions from Patriots quarterback Drake Maye, allowing Seattle to control the tempo and limit the game to just five scoring plays.
Seattle Seahawks Performance
Seattle opened the 2026 campaign with a gritty, methodical performance led by backup quarterback Drew Lock. With starter Sam Darnold sidelined by a hip injury, Lock stepped in and delivered a highly efficient outing, completing 16 of 22 passes for 187 yards and one touchdown without throwing a single turnover. His precision was instrumental in moving the chains against a disciplined Patriots defense.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba emerged as the primary difference-maker on offense, hauling in eight receptions for 122 yards. His most pivotal moment came on a 45-yard strike from Lock that extended Seattle’s lead and effectively broke the game open. Running back Jadarian Price provided necessary balance on the ground, rushing 10 times for 52 yards to keep the offense steady when passing lanes were tight.
On the defensive side, the Seahawks stifled New England’s attack. Linebacker Ernest Jones IV anchored the unit with a game-high 13 total tackles, while defensive tackle Leonard Williams applied consistent pressure, recording one sack. The defense held the Patriots to just 10 points, forcing them into field goal range but preventing any sustained drives after the early touchdown. The combination of Lock’s mistake-free management and the defense’s ability to create turnovers ensured Seattle started the season with momentum heading into their road test against the Arizona Cardinals.
New England Patriots Performance
New England struggled to find offensive rhythm throughout the contest, ultimately falling short due to a combination of red-zone inefficiencies and critical turnovers. Quarterback Drake Maye completed 23 of 33 passes for 178 yards and one touchdown, but his performance was marred by three interceptions that repeatedly halted promising drives. Maye’s only score came on a 2-yard pass to Eli Raridon, which gave the Patriots an early 7-0 lead before Seattle responded with three consecutive field goals to take control.
The Patriots’ ground game failed to establish consistency outside of Rhamondre Stevenson, who led the team with 18 carries for 51 yards. The receiving corps also faced challenges, with Mack Hollins serving as Maye’s most reliable target, catching four passes for 51 yards. Wide receiver A.J. Brown, already dealing with depth issues, suffered a high ankle sprain during the game and has been placed on Injured Reserve, a significant blow to the team’s future offensive capabilities.
Defensively, the Patriots showed resilience, holding Seattle to 13 points and generating pressure through Dre’Mont Jones, who recorded one sack. Linebacker Robert Spillane led the defense with eight total tackles, helping to contain Drew Lock for much of the game. However, the inability to protect the football negated their defensive efforts, as every interception returned possession to Seattle and allowed the Seahawks to dictate the pace of the game.
Turning Point
The game’s trajectory shifted decisively in the second half when Jaxon Smith-Njigba caught the 45-yard touchdown pass from Drew Lock. Prior to this play, the Seahawks had tied the game 10-10 via field goals, but the long gain stretched the Patriots’ defense and created a comfortable margin for Seattle. This score proved to be the go-ahead touchdown, as New England could not respond with a touchdown drive, settling for field goals instead. The turnover differential, heavily skewed toward Seattle due to Maye’s three picks, remained the defining statistic of the contest.
Key Takeaways
- Turnover Margin: Drake Maye’s three interceptions were the primary driver of the loss, giving Seattle extra possessions and limiting New England’s scoring opportunities.
- Lock’s Efficiency: Drew Lock completed 16 of 22 passes with zero turnovers, proving he can manage the game effectively in Darnold’s absence.
- Smith-Njigba’s Impact: Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s 122 receiving yards, including the crucial 45-yard touchdown, highlighted Seattle’s top weapon in the passing game.
- Patriots Depth Issues: A.J. Brown’s injury to IR exacerbates New England’s receiving corps problems, leaving them reliant on Mack Hollins and Eli Raridon.
- Defensive Standouts: Ernest Jones IV (13 tackles) and Leonard Williams (1 sack) led Seattle’s defensive effort, while Robert Spillane (8 tackles) and Dre’Mont Jones (1 sack) were key for New England.
What It Means Next
For the Seattle Seahawks, the win solidifies their position at the top of the NFC West and provides confidence in Drew Lock’s ability to start if Sam Darnold remains doubtful. They look to build on this momentum when they travel to face the Arizona Cardinals on September 20. For the New England Patriots, the loss highlights urgent needs to address ball security and offensive line protection. They return home to face the Pittsburgh Steelers on September 20, where they must improve their red-zone efficiency and adapt to playing without A.J. Brown to remain competitive in the tough AFC East.
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