Seahawks Week 1 Win Over Patriots Comes After Sam Darnold Exits With Hip Injury
The Seattle Seahawks began their 2026 NFL season with a dramatic 13-10 victory over the New England Patriots. However, the win came with a major concern after starting quarterback Sam Darnold left the game early with a hip injury.
The Seahawks entered the season opener with high expectations after defeating the Patriots in the previous season’s Super Bowl. Seattle also opened the new campaign at home, where the team unveiled its championship banner before kickoff.
Sam Darnold Leaves Early
Darnold’s night ended after only five plays. The quarterback was sacked by former Seahawks defensive lineman Dre’Mont Jones and appeared to be in pain after the play.
Darnold managed to leave the field under his own power but was clearly limping. He was later ruled out for the remainder of the game.
The early injury created immediate concern for Seattle because Darnold is an important part of the team’s plans for its title defense. He completed one of two passes for 13 yards before leaving the game.
The good news came after initial medical tests. X-rays and a CT scan showed no fracture. Head coach Mike Macdonald said the results were encouraging, but Darnold still needed an MRI for a clearer diagnosis.
Drew Lock Steps Up
With Darnold unavailable, Drew Lock took control of the Seahawks offense. He faced the difficult task of keeping Seattle competitive after the Patriots built an early advantage.
Lock eventually delivered when the game mattered most. He finished with 16 completions on 22 attempts for 187 yards and one touchdown.
Seattle’s offense struggled for much of the night. The Seahawks entered the fourth quarter trailing 10-3 and needed a major turnaround to avoid an opening-day defeat.
That comeback finally arrived late in the game.
Seahawks Rally in the Fourth Quarter
Jaxon Smith-Njigba became one of the key players in Seattle’s comeback. He caught a 45-yard touchdown pass from Lock that tied the game at 10-10.
Smith-Njigba finished with eight receptions for 122 yards and the important touchdown. His big play gave the Seahawks the momentum they needed.
Seattle then took the lead with a late field goal from Jason Myers. The kick put the Seahawks ahead 13-10 and left New England with one final chance.
Seattle Defense Seals the Win
The Seahawks defense produced its biggest performance when the game was on the line.
Patriots quarterback Drake Maye struggled badly in the fourth quarter. Seattle intercepted him three times in the final period, including a game-sealing interception by Josh Jobe in the end zone with only 21 seconds remaining.
Maye finished the game with 178 passing yards, one touchdown and three interceptions. Seattle’s defense also recorded three sacks during the comeback.
The defensive effort allowed Seattle to overcome both the 10-point deficit and the loss of its starting quarterback.
What Comes Next for Seattle
The Seahawks can celebrate their Week 1 win, but Darnold’s injury will remain the biggest story surrounding the team.
The initial tests ruled out a fracture, which is positive news. However, the MRI will provide more information about the seriousness of the hip injury and whether Darnold can play in Week 2.
Seattle will next face the Arizona Cardinals. Until Darnold’s medical evaluation is complete, the Seahawks will have questions about their quarterback situation.
For now, Seattle has started its championship defense with a win. The Seahawks showed resilience, their defense delivered in crucial moments, and Lock proved he could step in when needed.
The 13-10 victory also gave Seattle another win over New England in a rivalry that has produced two major games in less than a year.
Still, the Seahawks will hope their opening-night celebration is not overshadowed by a serious injury to their starting quarterback.
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