Patriots lose to Seahawks in Week 1 as rookie quarterback Drake Maye faces challenges
New England fell 24-10 to Seattle, with rookie quarterback Drake Maye posting a low EPA rating and the defense generating a 54.5% pressure rate while struggling against Seattle's passing schemes.
The New England Patriots were defeated 24-10 by the Seattle Seahawks in their season opener. The Patriots relied on man coverage and added rushers to pressure Seattle quarterback Geno Darnell, achieving a 54.5% pressure rate with five or more rushers on the field. Defensive end Dre'Mont Jones recorded seven pressures and a sack, while cornerback Christian Gonzalez limited Jaxon Smith-Njigba to a single short catch.
Offensively, the Patriots ran 16 first-down rushes and 11 first-down passes on early downs, a strategy aimed at limiting exposure to Seattle’s pass rush. Rookie quarterback Drake Maye posted a +0.20 EPA per drop-back on first-down passes but a –0.31 EPA per first-down run. He threw two interceptions, one of which occurred on a play that appeared to be a cover-six call, a scheme in which Maye has historically performed poorly.
Wide receiver A.J. Brown, who contributed a 34-yard pass-interference penalty and a 14-yard slant before leaving with an ankle injury, may miss upcoming practice, according to head coach Bill Vrabel. Running back Rhamondre Stevenson handled 85% of offensive snaps, gaining 51 yards after contact but receiving limited blocking support.
Other notable contributions included Mack Hollins’ two fourth-quarter catches that helped sustain drives, and rookie tight end Eli Raridon’s first NFL touchdown. Offensive line issues were highlighted by penalties on left tackle Will Campbell and pressures allowed by left guard Alijah Vera-Tucker.
Defensively, the Patriots recorded several pressures and run stuffs, with contributions from edge rusher Gabe Jacas, defensive tackle Christian Barmore, and linebackers Robert Spillane and Christian Elliss. However, coverage lapses allowed Seattle to convert key third-down opportunities, including a 9-yard pass to TE A.J. Barner and a 45-yard completion by safety Craig Woodson.
Overall, the Patriots showed strong pass-rush activity but struggled to protect the quarterback and to sustain offensive production against Seattle’s defense.