Drake Maye threw a disastrous last-gasp interception as the New England Patriots were beaten by the Seattle Seahawks on opening night of the 2026 NFL season.
The Seahawks rallied from ten points down late in the third quarter to secure a 13-10 win – despite losing quarterback Sam Darnold just five snaps into the game.
The Patriots had a glorious chance to steal victory – or send this game to overtime. But with 21 seconds on the clock and New England deep in Seattle territory, Maye’s pass was picked off by Josh Jobe in the end zone.
It was the quarterback’s third interception of the fourth quarter and it proved fatal in this rerun of Super Bowl LX. Maye’s pass was intended for Mack Hollins. Instead it was claimed by Jobe, sparking wild celebrations inside Lumen Field.
The Seahawks’ Super Bowl defense appeared to be in tatters after their first offensive drive of the season, when Darnold limped from the field with a hip issue.
According to ESPN, the quarterback was taken to Harborview Medical Center, where he underwent a CT scan on his hip. Initial test results were said to be ‘encouraging but inconclusive,’ with Darnold set for an MRI on Thursday.
Drake Maye threw a disastrous interception as the Patriots were beaten by the Seahawks
Josh Jobe picked off Maye’s pass in the end zone with just 21 seconds remaining
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold was hurt just minutes into the season opener
Jaxon Smith-Njigba scored the decisive touchdown as the Seahawks rallied to win 13-10
He was ruled out of the game shortly before halftime and soon, Mike Macdonald’s side trailed 10-0. But, led by backup quarterback Drew Lock, the Seahawks produced an impressive second-half comeback to secure a 13-10 victory.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba scored the decisive touchdown, either side of field goals from Jason Myers.
The Seahawks have 11 days until their second game of the season at the Arizona Cardinals and it remains to be seen whether Darnold will be healthy enough to return.
Barely two and a half minutes into Wednesday’s game at Lumen Field, Darnold was sacked by Dre’Mont Jones while trying to scramble away from the pocket.
The quarterback limped over to the sideline and then, after a visit to the medical tent, Darnold was led toward the locker room with a hip issue.
He headed for X-rays before being ruled out of the game during the second quarter, with Lock brought in under center. ‘We have faith in Drew,’ head coach Macdonald said at halftime.
The backup quarterback threw for 187 yards and one touchdown. Maye, on the other hand, amassed only 178 yards. He was also sacked three times and threw three interceptions.
