Turning Point: Pritchett’s INT sparks Seahawks’ comeback win over the Patriots

SEATTLE – Just when it looked like the Seattle Seahawks could be in for a disappointing result in their season opener, their defense made a play that opened the door for a comeback 13-10 victory over the New England Patriots.

Seahawks beat Pats | Instant Reaction | Box score

Well, the defense actually made three massive plays in the final quarter, but it was third-year cornerback Nehemiah Pritchett’s interception near the end zone that got it all started.

With New England driving in Seahawks territory early in the fourth quarter with a chance to go up two scores, Patriots quarterback Drew Maye uncorked a deep ball into double coverage down the left sideline for Romeo Doubs. Safety Rodney Thomas II deflected the ball up in the air, and Pritchett hauled it in and returned it 30 yards for a first career interception that breathed new life into the defending Super Bowl champions.

First takeaway of the year 😤 @King_Mighty1

📺: NBC pic.twitter.com/bhsndh35LI

— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) September 10, 2026

The Tip Part II?

While it certainly wasn’t a play that happened on the type of stage as Richard Sherman’s tip in the 2013 NFC title game, it set the stage for a fourth-quarter comeback and thrilling finish on Wednesday night.

Here’s a look at what ensued next to lead Seattle to a season-opening win.

JSN takes it to the house

After the Seahawks got the big defensive stop, they needed the offense to step up with a game-changing moment of its own. Fittingly, reigning NFL Offensive Player of the Year Jaxon-Smith-Njgiba provided it.

Five players after Pritchett’s pick – on a fourth-and-1 from near midfield – Drew Lock found Smith-Njigba open on a short curl route, and the All-Pro wide receiver made one defender miss before racing by the rest of the defense for a 45-yard TD to tie the game at 10-all with 11:28 left.

Catch and run. 45 yards. TOUCHDOWN! @jaxon_smith1

📺: NBC pic.twitter.com/6jud9zrgap

— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) September 10, 2026

Smith-Njigba finished with 122 yards on eight receptions.

A Love-ly play

The defense came up big once again for the Seahawks on the Patriots’ next possession. This time it was veteran safety Julian Love.

Love showed off his instincts while covering the deep middle and broke in on a pass intended for DeMario Douglas for an interception that gave Seattle the ball in Patriots territory and helped set up the winning score.

HE READ IT. @_jlove20 with the pick 😤

📺: NBC pic.twitter.com/aTMnPMgV8m

— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) September 10, 2026

The interception added to a monster day for the eighth-year safety, who finished with six tackles, two tackles for loss and one pass defended.

Lock’s legs do the trick

After Love’s interception set Seattle up with a short field at the Patriots’ 47, Lock led the Seahawks into the red zone and nearly put the team ahead with his legs. The Seahawks’ backup, who entered the game following a hip injury to Sam Darnold on the opening drive, tucked the ball and ran up the middle before breaking to the left side line for a 14-yard run down to the Patriots’ 3.

Drew Lock getting the job done with his legs 💨

NEvsSEA on NBC/Peacock
Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/T8SjDu03jI

— NFL (@NFL) September 10, 2026

Seattle eventually had to settle for a 26-yard Myers field goal to go up 13-10 with 5:53 left.

In relief of the injured Darnold, Lock went 16-of-22 passing for 187 yards and one TD in addition to his 14-yard scramble.

Jobe seals it

After everything that transpired in the fourth, the Patriots were still in position to pull out a win in the final moments. Josh Jobe extinguished their hopes with a highlight-reel interception that sealed the game.

With DeMarcus Lawrence delivering pressure, Maye went for the win and wildly fired a ball to the end zone for Mack Hollins, but it was Jobe who came down with it on a spectacular toe-tap grab with 21 second left – the Seahawks’ third and final pick of the fourth quarter.

JOSH JOBE TOE TAP INT

NEvsSEA on NBC/Peacock
Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/MrmQx0a3fo

— NFL (@NFL) September 10, 2026

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