Patriots vs. Seahawks preview, 49ers vs. Rams, Will Drake Maye have a statement game? | FTF
The New England Patriots open up the 2026/27 NFL season in a Super Bowl LX rematch with the Seattle Seahawks. Nick Wright, Chris Broussard, and Kevin Wildes ask if Drake Maye can have a statement game, what another good season would mean for Sam Darnold being elite, and if Brock Purdy and the San Francisco 49ers can outplay Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams.
A.J. Brown’s highly anticipated debut with the New England Patriots was interrupted by an apparent injury in the third quarter of Wednesday’s NFL season opener.
Brown appeared to suffer the injury while trying to make a catch at Lumen Field against the Seattle Seahawks. The game was billed as a rematch of Super Bowl LX, which Seattle won in February by defeating New England 29-10 to claim the franchise’s second Vince Lombardi Trophy.
New England led 10-0 when Brown exited the game Wednesday.
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New England Patriots wide receiver A.J. Brown (1) reacts after suffering an apparent injury during the third quarter of a game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on Sept. 9, 2026, in Seattle, Wash. (Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
Brown went down after a Seahawks defender rolled into him and remained on the field after the play. After medical personnel tended to Brown on the field, he made his way to the sideline without assistance.
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He later entered the blue medical tent before eventually heading to the locker room wearing only one cleat.
New England Patriots wide receiver A.J. Brown (1) reacts after suffering an apparent injury during the third quarter of a game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on Sept. 9, 2026, in Seattle, Wash. (Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
Brown was later ruled out for the remainder of the game because of what was described as an ankle injury. He finished his night with three catches for 26 yards. He also drew a 34-yard pass interference penalty that put the Patriots in position for the game’s first touchdown.
New England Patriots wide receiver A.J. Brown walks off the field after the second quarter of a game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on Sept. 9, 2026, in Seattle, Washington. (Jane Gershovich/Getty Images)
New England took a 10-3 lead over Seattle into the fourth quarter.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold left the game in the first quarter and was later ruled out. Drew Lock replaced Darnold under center for Seattle.
