BATTLE UP FRONT: Seahawks Defeat Patriots 13–10 in a Physical Trench Battle
By the Starts Up Front National & Global Recruiting Board
SEATTLE — The Seattle Seahawks opened the 2026 regular season with a 13–10 comeback victory over the New England Patriots on September 9 at Lumen Field.
While the late scoring decided the outcome, the offensive and defensive lines established the physical identity of this Super Bowl rematch.
Seattle’s Offensive Line
Seattle started:
- LT Charles Cross
- LG Grey Zabel
- C Jalen Sundell
- RG Anthony Bradford
- RT Abraham Lucas
The Seahawks produced 285 total yards, including 97 rushing yards on 22 attempts for a 4.4-yard average. Seattle allowed two sacks for 12 lost yards.
The offense converted only 2 of 11 third downs, but the line protected effectively during two fourth-quarter scoring possessions that erased a 10–3 deficit.
New England’s Offensive Line
The Patriots started:
- LT Will Campbell
- LG Alijah Vera-Tucker
- C Jared Wilson
- RG Michael Onwenu
- RT Morgan Moses
New England generated 109 rushing yards on 31 attempts, averaging 3.5 yards per carry. The Patriots finished with 19 first downs, converted 5 of 16 third downs and went 2-for-2 on fourth down.
The line surrendered three sacks for 10 lost yards. New England did not produce a rushing touchdown, and Seattle’s pressure became increasingly disruptive during the fourth quarter.
Seattle’s Defensive-Line Production
Leonard Williams
Leonard Williams delivered the Seahawks’ strongest defensive-line performance:
- 4 total tackles
- 3 solo tackles
- 1 assisted tackle
- 1 sack
- 1 tackle for loss
- 1 quarterback hit
Williams supplied interior pressure and helped prevent New England from controlling the game on the ground.
Byron Murphy II
Byron Murphy II recorded:
- 2 solo tackles
- 1 tackle for loss
Murphy created penetration inside and contributed to Seattle’s effort to limit the Patriots to 3.5 yards per rushing attempt.
Rylie Mills
Rylie Mills added:
- 2 solo tackles
- 1 tackle for loss
Jarran Reed
Jarran Reed finished with:
- 1 solo tackle
Seattle’s four credited defensive linemen combined for nine tackles, one sack, three tackles for loss and one quarterback hit. The Seahawks recorded three sacks and nine tackles for loss as a team.
New England’s Defensive-Line Production
Milton Williams
Milton Williams led the Patriots’ interior defensive linemen with:
- 3 total tackles
- 2 solo tackles
- 1 assisted tackle
Cory Durden
Cory Durden contributed:
- 2 assisted tackles
Christian Barmore
Christian Barmore recorded:
- 1 solo tackle
- 1 quarterback hit
New England’s credited defensive tackles combined for six tackles and one quarterback hit. Although the Patriots’ defense registered two sacks and held Seattle to only 13 first downs, neither sack was officially credited to an interior defensive lineman.
SUFRB Trench Verdict
New England’s offensive line produced more rushing yards, controlled possession for 34:17 and helped create 19 first downs. However, three sacks and mounting fourth-quarter pressure prevented the Patriots from finishing scoring opportunities.
Seattle’s offensive line surrendered two sacks but held up during the decisive fourth-quarter possessions. Defensively, Leonard Williams, Byron Murphy II, Rylie Mills and Jarran Reed combined to create the interior resistance Seattle needed to complete the comeback.
The Patriots won several statistical battles, but the Seahawks’ offensive and defensive fronts delivered when the game reached its most important snaps.
Final Score: Seattle Seahawks 13, New England Patriots 10.
It All Starts Up Front.
Statistical note: The official NFL gamebook does not publish pancake-block totals, pressures allowed by individual offensive linemen or offensive-line blocking grades. No unofficial totals were invented. Statistics were verified through the official NFL gamebook and Seahawks box score.
