The good and not so good from Seahawks’ Week 1 win over Patriots

In what was a rematch of Super Bowl LX, the Seattle Seahawks topped the New England Patriots in Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season, 13-10.

It was not a pretty game by any stretch. Both offenses struggled and it became a battle of attrition over four quarters that the Seahawks ended up winning.

While the Seahawks will still feel good about this game because they won, they have a major concern with quarterback Sam Darnold, who exited the contest early with an injury.

We’ll go over that and more as we take a look at the good and not so good from the Seahawks’ season-opening win over the Patriots.
‘s injury

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) warms up prior to a game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

Darnold suffered a hip injury on the very first drive of the game and was not able to return.

Drew Lock was able to make enough plays to lead the Seahawks to victory, but it goes without saying that Seattle’s season will be in big trouble if he’s forced to play for an extended period of time.

Hopefully we get some good news on Darnold, but if not and he ends up having to miss a lot of time, we’d expect the Seahawks to explore their options for another quarterback.

Seattle Seahawks running back Jadarian Price (8) during warmups before the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Lumen Field. Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

The numbers weren’t gaudy by any stretch, but Price looked like an NFL running back out there in Week 1.

The first-round pick was fast and ran with power, and he flashed some chops in the passing game with a few catches.

In all, Price finished with 10 carries for 52 yards (5.2 yards per carry) and two catches for six yards.

It was a strong start to the young running back’s career.

A general view of a Seattle Seahawks helmet against the Kansas City Chiefs during the second half of the game at Arrowhead Stadium. Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

The Seahawks have to clean up the penalties in Week 2.

Seattle was whistled for a total of 10 penalties for 98 yards, and one of them nullified a touchdown pass from Lock to Cooper Kupp and forced Seattle to settle for a field goal.

For a team that was in the middle of the pack in penalties last season, that is not what we expected to see.

Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike MacDonald during training camp at Virginia Mason Athletic Center. Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

While the offense struggled to get going for much of the game, the defense looked like it’s usual elite self and kept Seattle in the contest.

The Patriots’ only touchdown of the game was set up by a pass interference on an underthrown ball that A.J. Brown had to come back for.

Seattle’s pass-rush didn’t wreak as much havoc against the Pats as it did in the Super Bowl, but New England still couldn’t do much through the air and their rushing attack struggled.

Adding to that, Seattle picked off three Drake Maye passes, including the one that sealed the game late in the fourth quarter.

When it was all said and done, the Patriots posted just 277 yards of total offense, including just 178 through the air.

It was good to see Seattle’s defense picking up where it left off last season and there’s no doubt this unit is going to be one of the very best in the NFL once again.

Seattle Seahawks offensive tackle Abraham Lucas (72) before the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Lumen Field. Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

As if losing Darnold wasn’t bad enough, the Seahawks’ offensive line did not play well.

Seattle’s group upfront allowed two sacks and 11 pressures, with Abraham Lucas and Anthony Bradford giving up a team-high two apiece.

The run-blocking was better, but not by a lot.