Aug 22, 2026; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel looks on in the first half against the Philadelphia Eagles at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Edward Finan-Imagn Images
Edward Finan-Imagn Images
The New England Patriots had a chance to avenge their Super Bowl loss in Week 1 against the Seattle Seahawks. They were driving down the field while trailing by three. With seconds remaining in the game, Drake Maye attempted to throw a touchdown. That is when disaster struck.
Maye's pass was intercepted by Josh Jobe in the end zone. The Seahawks defender toe-tapped as momentum took him out of bounds. It was a remarkable play that cemented New England's season-opening loss on Wednesday night.
Head coach Mike Vrabel faced the media following this loss. He was rather blunt in his assessment of his team's final offensive play of the game. “We want to be aggressive, not reckless,” the Patriots coach said, via Mike Reiss of ESPN.
Maye was not his 2025 self in this Week 1 Super Bowl rematch. The Patriots quarterback threw three interceptions in this game on Wednesday night. Including the Super Bowl, this marks his second consecutive game with multiple interceptions.
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“You can’t throw three interceptions. Drake knows that,” Vrabel said after the loss, via The Athletic's Chad Graff.
New England had early control of this game despite a slow offensive start and an injury to AJ Brown. They scored the first touchdown of the season in the second quarter. Rookie tight end Eli Raridon caught a two-yard pass to make it 7-0.
A field goal in the second half would put New England up 10. However, Seattle showed signs of life despite losing quarterback Sam Darnold earlier in the game. Drew Lock threw a touchdown and led two other scoring drives. The Seahawks added a field goal with a little under six minutes remaining to take the lead for good.
The Patriots certainly know they need to be better moving forward. New England will look to bounce back in Week 2 against the Pittsburgh Steelers on September 20.