Jets fans had plenty to smile about Wednesday night, and most of it had nothing to do with their own team.
The NFL season opener gave New York’s fan base exactly the kind of hate-watch it was hoping for, as the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks outlasted the New England Patriots 13-10 after a 13-point comeback. For Jets fans, that meant a fresh dose of Patriots misery to enjoy, even if it only bought them a little temporary bragging rights in the AFC East.
The night got off to a rough start for former Jets quarterback Sam Darnold, who left after just five snaps with a hip injury. Darnold is no longer wearing green and white, but he has remained a favorite with many Jets fans because of the way he has carried himself since his departure, so seeing him exit early was a tough moment for that crowd.
Seattle, though, didn’t need Darnold to finish the job. Veteran backup Drew Lock stepped in and helped guide the Seahawks through a comeback win, while the Patriots kept handing over chances in the form of several costly Drake Maye interceptions.
That was the real story for New York fans: New England beating itself.
Maye, who didn’t look like the MVP candidate he was in 2025, threw three interceptions, and the last one ended the game. With the Patriots in position for a tying field goal, Maye tried to force a game-winner with less than 30 seconds left, lofting a pass to Mack Hollins in the end zone. Seahawks defensive back Josh Jobe got there first and came down with it to seal the win.
Called game and kept his feet in pic.twitter.com/SunasYF0Zr
- NFL (@NFL) September 10, 2026
For a while, it looked like New England might escape with the kind of opening-night performance Jets fans were dreading. Once Darnold went out, Seattle’s offense stalled for stretches, and a few badly timed penalties helped the Patriots hang around.
But the second half belonged to the Seahawks, and more importantly for Jets fans, it belonged to Maye’s mistakes.
And while the Patriots’ loss doesn’t change much in the standings this early, it does give Jets fans something to point to for a few days. At least for now, they can sit above their division rival and enjoy the view. Sunday, though, will be the day that really matters.
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One name now getting attention is Ole Miss defensive tackle Will Echoles, whose profile fits what the Jets are trying to build up front. He has drawn notice for his run defense and his upside as a pass-rusher, which makes him the sort of interior presence teams covet when they start talking about defensive identity. For a Jets team that appears intent on making the next wave of moves count on that side of the ball, Echoles is exactly the kind of prospect worth keeping on the radar. [Read more 🡒]