Arabic version: سيهوكس يقلبون الطاولة على باتريوتس في افتتاح موسم دوري كرة القدم الأمريكية

According to BBC News, defending champions the Seattle Seahawks came from behind to beat the New England Patriots 13-10 in the opening game of the NFL season at Lumen Field. The contest was the first season-opening rematch of the Super Bowl in 10 years.

Seattle lost quarterback Sam Darnold to a hip injury on the opening drive, while New England built a 10-0 lead. Rookie tight end Eli Raridon scored the first touchdown of the season in the second quarter. Seahawks back-up Drew Lock helped the offence respond late in the third, when Jason Myers made a field goal to reduce the deficit.

The Seahawks defence, known as “the Dark Side”, took control in the final quarter with three interceptions. Cornerback Nehemiah Pritchett recorded his first career interception after a Drake Maye pass was deflected by rookie Rodney Thomas. Lock then found Jaxon Smith-Njigba in space, and last season’s offensive player of the year ran through the Patriots defence for a 45-yard touchdown.

Julian Love later intercepted Maye, allowing Myers to put Seattle ahead with a 26-yard field goal. New England reached field-goal range with 21 seconds left but went for victory rather than overtime. Maye’s pass towards Mack Hollins was intercepted in the end zone by Josh Jobe. Patriots coach Mike Vrabel said: “You can’t throw three interceptions. Drake knows that.” Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald said initial tests indicated Darnold had not fractured a hip.