By ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: 05:21 BST, 10 September 2026 | Updated: 05:21 BST, 10 September 2026
SEATTLE (AP) - The 2026 season started in similar fashion for Drake Maye to how last season ended, with the Seattle Seahawks defense flustering New England's star quarterback and beating the Patriots.
Maye threw three interceptions in the fourth quarter, including one in the end zone with 21 seconds to play, as the Patriots opened the season by blowing a 10-point lead and losing [13-10 to the Seahawks](https://apnews.com/article/patriots-seahawks-score-9f41059f1e5fa19f70eb94929b401d54) on Wednesday night in a Super Bowl rematch.
Maye was the NFL MVP runner-up in his second season in 2025 after leading the NFL in passer rating and completion percentage in the regular season. He struggled in the playoffs but New England managed to survive before running into Seattle's Dark Side defense.
The Patriots were held scoreless by the Seahawks until the fourth quarter of a 29-13 loss in February as Maye threw two interceptions for his first time all season. He was even more loose with the ball in the fourth quarter of the opener.
The most costly mistake came at the end after Maye converted two fourth downs to get the Patriots into the red zone with a chance to tie or take the lead. On third down from the 16, Maye tried to find Mack Hollins in the end zone, but Josh Jobe made a top-tapping catch by the sideline to seal the win and spoil Maye's night.
It was the first three-interception game of Maye's career. He finished 23 for 33 for 178 yards and one touchdown.
Seattle Seahawks nose tackle Byron Murphy II, center, pressures New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye, right, as New England Patriots guard Alijah Vera-Tucker, right, moves in during the second half of an NFL football game, Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
The first miscue came with the Patriots leading 10-3 early in the fourth quarter. Maye attempted a rare deep pass that was deflected by Rodney Thomas II and intercepted by Nehemiah Pritchett.
The Seahawks tied the game on the ensuing drive before Maye gave them back the ball again on a pass that Julian Love intercepted. That led to a go-ahead field goal and set the stage for the late drive that started with promise but ended on a giveaway on a pass Maye threw off his back foot.
All he could do was take off his helmet and walk dejectedly off the field.
Maye became the second player in the last eight seasons to throw at least three interceptions in the fourth quarter with his team in the lead, tied or down by one score.
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New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) throes a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Seattle Seahawks cornerback Josh Jobe (29) intercepts a pass in the end zone intended for New England Patriots wide receiver Mack Hollins (13) during the second half of an NFL football game, Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)
Seattle Seahawks safety Julian Love (20) intercepts a pass intended for New England Patriots wide receiver DeMario Douglas (3) as New England Patriots safety Dell Pettus (24) looks on during the second half of an NFL football game, Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Seattle Seahawks cornerback Nehemiah Pritchett (28), intercepts a pass during the second half of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)