By Miguel Mike Medina
Photo Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
The Seattle Seahawks won the Super Bowl rematch in the season-opening kickoff game against the New England Patriots, 13-10.
The Patriots and Seahawks are two teams in the Top 10 in total offense and defense. In this game, it came down to defense and who avoided mistakes. Seahawks were trailing 10-0, and everything changed in the fourth quarter.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold left in the first quarter due to an injury. Backup quarterback Drew Lock stepped in and did a solid job. Lock finished with 187 yards and a touchdown, completing 16 of his 22 passes.
Here are some of the biggest takeaways from Wednesday’s game.
Drake Maye’s 4th Quarter Misery
Everything was going well until the fourth quarter happened. The 24-year-old threw three interceptions. Maye had just one touchdown, which he threw a two-yarder to Eli Raridon in the second quarter. Maye just had 178 yards for the night.
The last interception Maye threw late in the fourth quarter is what has everyone talking. It was a costly play that cost the team the game.
Seahawks Defense Showed Up in Crunch Time
The Seahawks defense had many heroes. Cornerback Josh Jobe redeemed himself with the last interception of the game in the end zone. After a tough pass interference call against him in the second quarter, Jobe showed up at the right time.
Safety Julian Love made some plays, especially in third-down situations. He didn’t stop there. Love intercepted a pass at the 9:20 mark in the fourth quarter, which ended up giving the Seahawks great field position.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba Clutch Touchdown
The 24-year-old out of Ohio State made the biggest offensive play of the night. Njigba caught a 45-yard touchdown to tie the game for the Seahawks. The fourth-year receiver now has seven catches for 111 yards with a touchdown.
Njigba reminded everyone why he was last year’s NFC Offensive Player of the Year. Big-time receivers make big-time plays.
Patriots will play the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 2. Seahawks will face off against the Arizona Cardinals.
Miguel Mike Medina is the publisher of The MMM Journal. He can be reached at medinamiguelmike@gmail.com and themmmjournal@gmail.com
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