The Seattle Seahawks, defending champions, began their NFL season with a come-from-behind 13-10 victory over the New England Patriots. The game, a rematch of the previous Super Bowl, saw the Seahawks' defense, known as 'the Dark Side,' make a significant impact, particularly in the final quarter.
The Patriots took an early 10-0 lead, with rookie tight end Eli Raridon scoring the season's first touchdown in the second quarter. Seattle's offense struggled initially, exacerbated by a hip injury to starting quarterback Sam Darnold on the game's opening drive. Backup quarterback Drew Lock eventually sparked the Seahawks' offense late in the third quarter, setting up a Jason Myers field goal that narrowed the deficit.
The tide turned in the fourth quarter. Seahawks cornerback Nehemiah Pritchett secured his first career interception from a pass deflected by rookie Rodney Thomas. On the subsequent possession, Lock connected with wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba for a 45-yard touchdown, tying the game. Following another interception by Julian Love off Patriots quarterback Drake Maye, Myers kicked a 26-yard field goal to give Seattle a 13-10 lead.
With 21 seconds remaining, the Patriots had an opportunity to win or force overtime, but a deep pass from Maye intended for Mack Hollins was intercepted in the end zone by Josh Jobe, sealing the Seahawks' victory. Maye, who had thrown multiple interceptions only once the previous season in the Super Bowl, was picked off on New England's final three possessions.
Seattle head coach Mike Macdonald reported that initial tests indicated Darnold had not suffered a hip fracture. The NFL season continues with the league's first regular-season game in Australia, featuring the Los Angeles Rams against the San Francisco 49ers in Melbourne.