Seahawks' D sparks opening win over Pats after Darnold injury

SEATTLE -- The Seattle Seahawks beat the New England Patriots, 13-10, on Wednesday night in a Super Bowl LX rematch. As the Seahawks prepared for their quest to become only the third team this century to repeat as Super Bowl champions, they didn't talk about "defending" their title or trying to "run it back." They wanted to remain forward-looking, knowing it's a new season and a new team that will face new challenges. No one could have predicted the timing and potential magnitude of the challenge that hit them in their opener Wednesday night. On the opening series, quarterback Sam Darnold went down for the remainder of the game -- and potentially beyond -- with an injury to his right hip. Backup quarterback Drew Lock stepped up and the defense took over the second half, forcing Patriots QB Drake Maye to turn the ball over three times in the fourth quarter. Here are the most important things to know from Thursday night for both teams: Seattle Seahawks (1-0) What to make of Drew Lock's performance: Lock went 16 of 22 for 187 passing yards and 1 TD. He played as well as the Seahawks could have expected - maybe better -- considering he was pressed into action early in the game. He kept the ball out of harm's way and made some big-time throws, like a 21-yard strike to Jaxon Smith-Njigba that nearly converted a third-and-22. New coordinator Brian Fleury showed faith in his backup quarterback by opting against a tush push with tight end AJ Barner on the fourth-and-1 play that resulted in Lock's touchdown pass to Smith-Njigba. The Seahawks did not help Lock out with three false start penalties. Trend to watch: As expected, the Seahawks went with a committee approach in their backfield. Rookie first-round Jadarian Price led the way, and he flashed explosiveness while gaining 52 yards on 10 carries. He might have gotten more work if not for the offensive penalties that forced Seattle into passing situations. George Holani gained 29 yards on 8 carries while Emanuel Wilson added 3 yards on 2 attempts. This is how the work figures to be split for at least the first four games while Zach Charbonnet begins the season on the physically unable to perform list. Most surprising performance: Cornerback Nehemiah Pritchett's fourth-quarter interception on a tipped pass got the Seahawks the ball for what would be their game-tying touchdown drive. He had an earlier pass breakup as well. The third-year pro is serving as the Seahawks' No. 3 corner, which has looked like the biggest question mark on a defense that allowed the fewest points in the NFL last season. He'll face competition for that job from Trevon Diggs and potentially Terrion Arnold (who's on the commissioner's exempt list) as well. But plays like that will keep him in the starting lineup. Next game: at Arizona Cardinals (Sunday, Sept. 20 at 4:25 p.m. ET) New England Patriots (0-1) Wide receiver A.J. Brown was knocked out of the game in the third quarter with a right ankle injury, taking away quarterback Drake Maye's No. 1 option and creating uncertainty on how long the team might be without him. Maye missed him greatly, with the Patriots losing a 10-0 lead as the Seahawks fed off two Maye interceptions, and sealed the game with a third. The first pick came when Maye threw an interception down the field to receiver Romeo Doubs on a play he was giving Doubs a chance to climb the ladder, something Doubs had shown a knack for in training camp. Doubs later had a costly drop on a play that would have went for a first down, which was followed by Maye's second interception when he was looking for receiver Pop Douglas over the middle on third-and-14. The Seahawks scored on the ensuing drive both times -- with a touchdown and field goal. Then they closed out the game with a pick. What to make of Drake Maye's performance: Maye threw two interceptions, which is rare. He only had one game last season (including playoffs) in which he threw two interceptions -- the Super Bowl vs. the Seahawks. The Patriots played it conservatively early, as he had just one pass traveling more than 10 air yards in the first half, according to ESPN Analytics tracking. Maye's other 11 throws traveled a combined 15 air yards. That might have been designed, in part, to protect the offensive line. Both of Maye's interceptions in the second half were on downfield throws. Most surprising performance: Doubs. The Patriots signed the former Packers receiver to a four-year, $68 million contract as a free agent in the offseason, and he was involved in two critical plays that hurt the team -- Maye's first interception and a dropped pass when he was open to convert a first down that preceded Maye's second interception. The Patriots needed Doubs to deliver after Brown left the game with a right ankle injury early in the third quarter. Stat to know: Rookie tight end Eli Raridon, who scored the opening touchdown of the NFL season on a 2-yard pass from Maye, did not score a TD in 12 games with Notre Dame last season. Next game: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (Sunday, Sept. 20 at 1 p.m. ET)