Eddie Marotta
photos by Mike Cortinas/La Voz
The New England Patriots wrapped up an eventful Week 1 of the 2026 NFL regular season ahead of Sunday’s slate of games with several highs and lows.
On the field, New England traveled to take on the Seattle Seahawks in a highly anticipated rematch of Super Bowl LX and fell, 13-10. Through three quarters of play, the Patriots controlled the flow and pace of the game, but in the final period, chaos ensued. Drake Maye threw interceptions on each of the team’s three possessions, and Seattle took advantage of their offense’s extra chances — capturing their first and only lead by the game’s end and squandering New England’s final chance to secure victory.
The Patriots lost more than just one game on the scoreboard on Wednesday night. In the third quarter, wide receiver A.J. Brown exited with what has now been confirmed as a high ankle sprain. The All-Pro offseason trade addition has now been placed on injured reserve, rendering New England without the services of their top receiving option for at least four weeks.
After struggling to stop the Seahawks’ high-octane zone-rushing attack, the Patriots used the open roster spot left vacant by Brown to add more beef along the interior defensive line. The team has agreed to terms with veteran defensive tackle DaQuan Jones — a former Tennessee Titans‘ and Buffalo Bills‘ mainstay who overlapped with Mike Vrabel in Nashville from 2018-2020 and has started all 160 games played over the last 11 seasons.
On this episode of the Patriots Roundtable Podcast, hosts Eddie Marotta and Tyler Geis review an active Week 1 for New England. We examine what went wrong for the Patriots in Seattle, the impact of Brown’s injury and the team’s plan to replace him, and how Jones’ signing will help shore-up the shaky run defense that’s plagued the team since their 2025 playoff run.
Plus, a closer look at divisive play-calling tendencies from offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, a shaky opening showing from wide receiver Romeo Doubs (three targets, no catches, drop on the play before Maye’s second interception), and standout performances from rookies Eli Raridon (touchdown reception), Gabe Jacas (one sack, three stops, 77.3 defensive grade, per PFF), and Namdi Obiazor (three special teams tackles).
How do you think the Patriots will bounce back from their Week 1 loss? What impact will Brown’s injury and the addition of Jones have on the team moving forward? Drop your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation on Patriots Roundtable.
