Patriots’ season starts with 13–10 loss as Maye throws three interceptions
New England’s offence struggled against Seattle after Sam Darnold’s injury forced Drew Lock into action.
The New England Patriots opened their 2026 season with a 13–10 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, despite leading by double digits in the second half.
Quarterback Drake Maye completed 23 of 33 passes for 178 yards and a touchdown, but threw three interceptions. Yahoo Sports reported that all three of New England’s fourth-quarter possessions ended with Maye turnovers.
Seattle’s Sam Darnold was injured during the opening drive, with Drew Lock taking over at quarterback. Lock completed 16 of 22 passes for 187 yards and a touchdown as the Seahawks’ defence forced three turnovers for the second consecutive game against New England.
The Patriots struggled to establish their running game, with Rhamondre Stevenson carrying 16 times for 51 yards. Wide receiver A.J. Brown also left the game with an ankle injury, according to the source.
The result drew criticism from Patriots fans on social media, including complaints that the offence was conservative and predictable. The defeat came after a 14-win season and in Mike Vrabel’s second year as head coach, but the opening-game performance alone does not establish the team’s longer-term direction.
