Maye's short TD pass puts Patriots ahead early

Drake Maye threw a two-yard touchdown pass to give the Patriots a 7-0 lead over the Seahawks. It was the first touchdown of the 2026 NFL season.
The opening score of the 2026 NFL campaign came quickly, as New England quarterback Drake Maye connected on a short two-yard touchdown throw. This early strike gave the Patriots a 7-0 advantage over the visiting Seattle Seahawks, marking the first points of the league's new year. The play establishes an immediate tone for both teams' season openers.
This early touchdown may set a positive tone for Patriots fans, potentially boosting early-season optimism around the team's young quarterback. For the Seahawks, falling behind immediately could test their composure in a hostile environment. The broader NFL audience may view this as a signal of how the 2026 season's competitive balance is shaping up, though one score remains a very small sample size.