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Intriguing Game- NFL, Week One

New England Patriots at Seattle Seahawks

Patriots (2025 Record: 14-3)

I was high on them coming into last season. I still don’t care for how they handled the situation with Jerod Mayo because he wasn’t given much of a roster, but that’s a conversation for another day. When Mike Vrabel was hired, I knew there would be improvement — and believe me, there was. We can take it back to the Brady-Belichick era and remember how the Patriots were automatically penciled in to win this division and be one of the final teams playing before the season ended. In Mike’s first season, they reclaimed the AFC East title for the first time since 2019, clinched the No. 2 seed in the AFC Playoffs, and returned to the Super Bowl. There were moments last season when I called this group last year a “modern Belichick version” because Vrabel is cut from the Belichick cloth, but he still allows his players to be themselves while remaining focused on the goal at hand: winning football games. Another reason they improved so much a year ago was the play of Drake Maye. This kid is the real deal and, again, see what happens when you put some weapons around him? He’s still young and will only continue to improve and head in the right direction. I knew they’d be better, but I didn’t expect 14 wins. Vrabel being named Coach of the Year was well deserved. Now it’s time to see how they build upon what happened in 2025. Tonight, they begin the season the same way they ended it in February: with a showdown against Seattle.

Seahawks (2025 Record: 14-3)

The NFC was a party a season ago. Many wanted to see what the Detroit Lions would do, especially when healthy. The Eagles entered as the defending Super Bowl champions, the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers were in the fold, and I can’t forget the Green Bay Packers, who made the move to acquire Micah Parsons from the Dallas Cowboys a week before the season even started. Oh, and I can’t forget the Bears either, though I don’t think many people expected them to be as good as they were. Despite all of that, the team in the Northwest quietly handled its business and ignored the outside chatter. I saw a group that simply played football and focused on what was in front of them. I knew the Seahawks were special after watching them beat the San Francisco 49ers in the regular-season finale to win the NFC West and lock up the No. 1 seed in the NFC. Mike Macdonald firmly entered his name into the top-tier head coach conversation, and I think he’s the best defensive-minded coach in the league. After winning the Super Bowl in February, I remember saying on the radio how happy I was for Sam Darnold, who was basically counted out after struggling earlier in his career. But I’ve always said it takes the right system and coaching staff to get you right. I saw someone who took advantage of his opportunity in Minnesota in 2024, bet on himself, signed in Seattle, and the rest is history. What happened has happened, and tonight they return to the field to kick off the 2026 NFL season.

Patriots X-Factor: Rhamondre Stevenson

If the Patriots want to set the tone for their season and pull off an upset, their best approach will be controlling the tempo instead of trying to match Seattle big play for big play. This is where Rhamondre Stevenson comes into the picture and why he’ll be the X-factor tonight for the defending AFC Champions. If New England can feed him the ball early and often, it will help neutralize Seattle’s pass rush, open up the play-action game, and allow the Patriots to control the time-of-possession battle. If Rhamondre can be the most efficient player on the field, that will bode well for New England tonight.

Seahawks X-Factor: Leonard Williams

This is that energy guy you want on your football team! His efforts are contagious and Leonard is a huge part of what the Seahawks do as a defense. His motor is always going, he plays with 100 percent energy and intensity on each and every snap and finished last season with 7 sacks which is a nice amount from the interior of the defensive line. Leonard will bring pressure and consistently collapse the pocket from the interior which could create problems for Drake Maye and this New England offense. If he can get to the passer often, that allows Seattle’s defense to dictate the game.

Final Thoughts:

One of my favorite times of the year is when football kicks off. We had the college games over the weekend, and tonight the NFL returns. The last time we saw these two teams play was February 8th in Santa Clara, California, to crown a champion. Entering that game, I had more faith in Seattle than I did New England, and the Seahawks went on to win their second Super Bowl title in franchise history. Tonight, these teams meet again for the first time since then to open the new season. This is another matchup featuring contrasting styles. Seattle can push the ball vertically and create explosive plays, while New England is more methodical, preferring ball control, the running game, tight ends, and screen passes, as I mentioned earlier. I see Seattle’s defensive front testing New England’s offensive line early and often with exotic blitz packages and disguised looks, meaning the Seahawks’ defense must set the tone immediately. Offensively, Seattle needs to exploit matchups involving Jaxon Smith-Njigba. I’d move him around the formation, force New England out of its preferred coverages, and attack linebackers and nickel defenders underneath. Lastly, Seattle must handle the emotions of banner night because some teams can come out flat after pregame ceremonies. Avoiding early penalties, turnovers, and defensive lapses will be critical. For the Patriots, keeping Drake Maye upright and protected is priority No. 1. They also must finish drives in the red zone because, in the Super Bowl, they moved the ball effectively but stalled in the red zone which isn’t going to get the job done. The energy will be high in this one.

Prediction:

Seahawks 27, Patriots 14