Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold, who had played at a near-MVP level this season for the most part, did absolutely nothing to help his team and plenty to hurt them. Darnold matched his career high with four interceptions, completing 29 of 44 passes for 279 yards, no touchdowns, those picks, and a passer rating of 45.5. The last time Darnold faced the Rams it was when he was with the Minnesota Vikings in last season's playoffs, and he endured a 60-minute nightmare.
The defense squandered a 12-0 lead in the first half; the rookie kicker missed two extra points, and the special teams unit botched the coverage on a 74-yard punt return. Had it not been for a stellar day from quarterback Drake Maye and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, the Patriots would be staring down an 0-2 start to the Mike Vrabel era.