The Seattle Seahawks' defense proved its mettle in the season opener, overcoming a mid-game injury to quarterback Sam Darnold and a 10-point deficit to defeat the New England Patriots 13-10 on Wednesday night. The "Dark Side" defense was instrumental, forcing three interceptions in the fourth quarter.

Linebacker Ernest Jones IV emphasized the team's defensive identity, stating, "When you think about Seattle, we want you to think about our defense, and what we are going to bring each and every day."

The team faces uncertainty at the quarterback position as Darnold left the game with a hip injury following the opening drive. Coach Mike Macdonald described the injury as a "muscle" issue near the hip and indicated that more information would be available Monday. "It’s been positive news," Macdonald said. "Right now we’re just working through the extent of the injury and put a plan in place to get back rocking and rolling."

Backup quarterback Drew Lock made key plays, including a 45-yard touchdown pass to Jaxon Smith-Njigba that tied the game in the fourth quarter. This score followed the first of three defensive interceptions off Patriots quarterback Drake Maye.

The second interception set up the go-ahead field goal. The win was ultimately sealed when Josh Jobe made a toe-tapping interception in the end zone as the Patriots threatened to tie or take the lead in the final minute. "It was game on the line," Jobe said. "Like we talk about, we live in the death zone, and we came alive and we took the ball away. That’s what we talked about throughout the week, take the ball away and keep our eye on the ball."

This defensive performance mirrors the formula that led the Seahawks to a Super Bowl title the previous season, culminating in a strong defensive showing against Maye and the Patriots in the championship game.

Defensive Standouts and Concerns

The Seahawks recorded three interceptions and three sacks in the fourth quarter, a rare feat that helped fuel their comeback. They are the first team in 11 years to achieve at least three interceptions and three sacks in the fourth quarter of a game they trailed after three quarters.

However, Seattle was also hampered by penalties, committing 10 for 98 yards. Several penalties proved costly, including pass interference by Jobe that aided the Patriots' first touchdown and a roughing the punter penalty that led to a field goal. The team also incurred an offside penalty on a fourth-down conversion attempt and an illegal shift that nullified a touchdown pass.

Drew Lock, a journeyman quarterback drafted by Denver in 2019, delivered when needed, with his touchdown pass to Smith-Njigba and a subsequent drive for a field goal.

Smith-Njigba was a significant target, accounting for 44.1% of the team's receiving yards last season, the highest rate for any player in 13 years. In the opener, he had 122 of the team's 200 receiving yards, with no other receiver recording more than two catches or 35 yards.

Beyond Darnold's injury, the Seahawks played without safeties Nick Emmanwori (ankle) and Ty Okada (hamstring). Emmanwori, who practiced last week, appears to have a better chance of playing in the upcoming Week 2 game.

Turnover Avoidance Continues

The Seahawks committed no turnovers in the opener, extending a streak that began at the end of the 2025 regular season. Seattle finished the 2025 regular season with 28 turnovers, the second most in the NFL. However, they committed no turnovers in Week 18 and became the only Super Bowl champion to avoid turnovers in the playoffs. With their latest performance, they have now gone five consecutive games without a giveaway, a franchise first.

The Seahawks will visit Arizona on Sept. 20, aiming for their second 2-0 start in the past six seasons.