Drake Maye threw three fourth-quarter interceptions in the New England Patriots' 13-10 opening loss, with his final mistake ending a chance to force overtime. The last pick came with 26 seconds remaining, turning a possession within field-goal range into the decisive missed opportunity.

What happened

New England led 10-0 before surrendering 13 unanswered points. That reversal left the Patriots needing a late score after they had held a two-score advantage, but they still reached a position from which they could pursue a touchdown or a tying field goal.

Maye's final throw came on third-and-5 from the opponent's 16-yard line, according to [NBC Boston](https://www.nbcboston.com/news/sports/nfl/new-england-patriots/live-updates-seahawks-week-1-highlights-score/4011962/). The interception ended that possession with 26 seconds left and completed a fourth quarter in which he was picked off three times.

Why it matters

The final turnover carried an immediate cost beyond another lost possession. New England was trailing by three points and had an opportunity to attempt a field goal that could have tied the game. Instead, the Patriots lost the ball before they could take that option.

A tying kick would still have needed to be made, and overtime would not have guaranteed a victory. But the interception removed that possible route entirely, leaving New England with an opening defeat after a game it had led 10-0.

By the numbers

Maye completed 23 of 33 passes for 178 yards and one touchdown. Those passing totals sit alongside the three interceptions, all of which came in the fourth quarter when possession and scoring opportunities carried particular weight.

The timing gives the turnover total its significance. New England finished with 10 points despite scoring the game's first 10, while the opposition's 13 unanswered points proved enough to win. The Patriots' final opportunity to change that score ended on Maye's last throw.

What to watch next

Maye's late-game decisions will be a focus entering Week 2. The final third-and-5 offers a specific situation to examine: a three-point deficit, the ball at the opponent's 16-yard line and a potential tying field-goal attempt still available.

The question is how Maye balances pursuing a touchdown with preserving another scoring opportunity. After three fourth-quarter interceptions, protecting possession in those situations becomes a central part of the response to this defeat.