The Patriots lead the Seahawks 7-0 at halftime, but Seattle has a bigger concern moving forward.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold exited the game after the first series with a hip injury. He appeared to suffer it when he was sacked by Dre’Mont Jones on third down, which brought up a punt.
Darnold limped to the sideline before he was eventually examined in the medical tent. He then limped off the field up to the locker room for further evaluation.
Just before halftime, the Seahawks ruled him out.
Backup Drew Lock played the rest of the first half for Seattle. So far, he’s completed 6-of-8 passes for 51 yards. But the Seahawks have also struggled to move the ball, registering six first downs.
On the other side, Drake Maye has been a lot more effective than he was against Seattle’s defense in Super Bowl LX back in February. He’s gotten off some quick passes and used his legs effectively to scramble. Though Maye’s most productive pass was one that wasn’t even completed — as newcomer A.J. Brown drew a defensive pass interference penalty that put the Patriots at Seattle’s 2-yard line.
On the next play, Maye tossed a 2-yard touchdown to rookie tight end Eli Rairdon for the NFL’s first touchdown of 2026.
Maye finished the first half 10-of-12 for 66 yards with a touchdown.
The Patriots have 10 first downs, 130 yards, and are 3-of-7 on third down.
Seattle has 120 yards and is 1-of-6 on third down. They may want to have a heavy dose of rookie Jadarian Price in the second half, who has 42 yards on his six carries in his debut.
The Patriots will receive the second-half kickoff.
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