Champions Seahawks beat Patriots in season opener

Defending champions the Seattle Seahawks came from behind to beat the New England Patriots 13-10 in the opening game of the NFL season. The Seahawks' victory marked the first time in 10 years that the season began with a rematch of the Super Bowl, which the Patriots dominated by a Seahawks defence known as 'the Dark Side'. The Seahawks' defence, led by defensive co-ordinator Aden Durde, a British national, stepped up after the team lost quarterback Sam Darnold to a hip injury in the game's opening drive, claiming three interceptions in the final quarter at Lumen Field. The Patriots took a 10-0 lead, with rookie tight end Eli Raridon scoring the first touchdown of the season in the second quarter. Back-up quarterback Drew Lock got the Seattle offence going late in the third quarter, with Jason Myers cutting the gap with a field goal. Seahawks cornerback Nehemiah Pritchett claimed his first career interception at the start of the fourth quarter, after a Drake Maye pass was deflected by rookie Rodney Thomas. On the next possession, Lock found wide reciever Jaxon Smith-Njigba in space and last season's offensive player of the year charged through the Patriots defence for a 45-yard touchdown. Julian Love then picked off Patriots quarterback Maye, giving Myers the chance to edge the Seahawks in front with a 26-yard field goal. With 21 seconds remaining, the Patriots were well within field-goal range, but chose to go for the win rather than settle for overtime, and the move backfired as Maye's hopeful pass towards Mack Hollins was intercepted by Josh Jobe in the end zone. The Seahawks' victory marked a significant turnaround from the Patriots' dominant performance in the Super Bowl last season. Seattle head coach Mike Macdonald said initial tests showed Darnold had not fractured a hip. The Seahawks' defence has been a key factor in their success, with Durde's leadership playing a crucial role in the team's victory.