Seahawks rally past Patriots 13-10 as Darnold’s hip injury clouds opener
Seattle overturned a 10-point deficit after Sam Darnold’s early exit, with Drew Lock’s touchdown pass and three interceptions securing victory over New England.
The Seattle Seahawks opened the NFL season with a 13-10 victory over the New England Patriots in a rematch of Super Bowl LX, but the result was overshadowed by quarterback Sam Darnold’s early departure with a right hip injury.
Darnold left during Seattle’s opening possession, bringing Drew Lock into the game. Lock completed 16 of 22 passes for 187 yards and a touchdown, including a 45-yard scoring pass to Jaxon Smith-Njigba that tied the match in the fourth quarter.
Jason Myers then kicked the go-ahead field goal before Seattle’s defence closed out the win. Cornerback Josh Jobe intercepted Patriots quarterback Drake Maye in the end zone late in the game, when New England was positioned to attempt a tying field goal. It was Seattle’s third interception of Maye.
ESPN reported that initial tests on Darnold suggested no fracture but were inconclusive. He was scheduled for an MRI on Thursday, leaving his diagnosis, recovery timeline and availability for Seattle’s next match unconfirmed.
Maye completed 23 of 33 passes for 178 yards and a touchdown, but his three interceptions contributed to New England’s loss after the Patriots had built a 10-0 lead. Receiver A.J. Brown also left in the third quarter with a right ankle injury.
Seattle’s rookie running back Jadarian Price led the team with 52 yards from 10 carries. With Zach Charbonnet beginning the season on the physically unable to perform list, Seattle used a committee in the backfield. The Seahawks are listed to play away against the Arizona Cardinals on 20 September, while New England are listed to host the Pittsburgh Steelers on the same day.
