Seahawks-Patriots takeaways: Seattle dominates Drake Maye again

The Seattle Seahawks started the 2026 season the same way they ended the 2025 season -- by absolutely dominating New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye.

The Seahawks intercepted Maye three times in the second half of their 13-10 win on Wednesday night, securing a Week 1 victory in the rematch of last year's Super Bowl.

That defensive performance helped them overcome the early injury to quarterback Sam Darnold that looms large over the game. 

Here are some takeaways from the Seahawks win. 

Key takeaway: Sam Darnold's injury changes everything (for now)

The good news for the Seahawks: They found a way to win, and that is what championship teams do. It's not always going to be easy. It's not always going to be pretty. Sometimes you have to overcome some adversity. 

Seattle did that on Wednesday. 

The bad news is they now have to hold their breath on the status of Darnold.

Darnold had to leave Wednesday's game just five snaps into the game with a hip injury, and did not return. Backup quarterback Drew Lock managed the game effectively, and mostly played mistake-free football. But the offense was clearly limited with him in there as opposed to Darnold, and it might not be the type of thing that can work over the course of a 17-game season. 

Player of the game: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Seattle Seahawks

The reigning Offensive Player of the Year showed exactly why he is one of the most impactful players in the league by stepping up and making one of the biggest plays of the game.

With the Seahawks trailing 10-3 and facing a fourth-and-one in New England territory, Smith-Njigba caught a short pass over the middle and turned it into a 45-yard touchdown with an electrifying run.