AP Photo/Stephen Brashear

The Patriots dropped their season opener in frustrating fashion, falling 13-10 to the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.

For nearly three quarters, New England looked in full control behind disciplined play and a suffocating defensive performance. However, an offensive collapse down the stretch allowed Seattle to climb back into the game and steal a late victory on banner night. 

1. Drake Maye throws the game away: After playing clean, efficient, football through the first three quarters, Maye completely lost his composure in the fourth quarter. He unraveled with three costly interceptions on throws over 15 air yards, including a ill-advised deep shot into cover two and a game-ending goal-line throw off his back foot to Mack Hollins with 21 seconds remaining. He cost the Patriots the game with his unforced mistakes and he will need to shake this performance off moving forward.

2. A.J. Brown sprains his ankle: The Patriots’ major offseason addition departed in the third quarter with a right ankle injury. His absence completely neutered the Patriots offense and Maye didn’t have a go to receiver in the fourth quarter, allowing Seattle’s split-safety zones to shrink the field and squeeze the passing lanes on Maye’s remaining targets. If it is a high ankle sprain, Brown could be looking at a 4-6 week recovery.

3. Defense plays well enough to win: Christian Gonzalez, Christian Barmore, and the rest of the unit held Seattle’s offense in check for the vast majority of the game. Knocking Sam Darnold out early, the defense limited backup Drew Lock for long stretches and deserved a winning outcome, only to be left completely exposed on a fourth quarter touchdown by Jaxon Smith-Njigba. The defense gave the Patriots a chance to win. The offense didn’t do their part.

4. Suspect Coaching on both sides of the ball: Late-game game management and play-calling fell flat. The offensive game plan was good at negating Seattle’s pressure but the Patriots couldn’t finish drives. Defensively, a miscommunication between Christian Gonzalez and Craig Woodson on a 4th-and-1 play-action directly yielded Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s game-tying 45-yard touchdown. Maye’s meltdown the fourth quarter compounded things and cost the Patriots the game.

5. Offensive line played better: Left tackle Will Campbell and the revamped offensive line showed marked improvement in pass protection compared to past outings. They kept the pocket clean for Maye through three quarters and held up relatively well against Seattle’s aggressive front seven. The offensive line struggled in Super Bowl Bowl LX and while they weren’t “world beaters” on Wednesday night, they were much better.

6. Rookies Eli Rairdon and Gabe Jacas shine: Rookie tight end Eli Raridon provided a bright spot on offense by hauling in a 2-yard score for the team’s first touchdown of the 2026 season. On the other side of the ball, pass rusher Gabe Jacas flashed twitchy explosion off the edge, generating pressure and holding his ground against the run. He finished with a sack and 2 TFL’s. Both will play a key role in the Patriots success this season.

7. Missed opportunity: Blowing a 10-point lead in a hostile environment against the defending champs hurts. The Patriots had every chance to put Seattle away and steal a marquee road win, making this tight 13-10 loss feel like a game the Patriots completely handed away.