Nila Kartika Wati
Seattle, WA – Rookie running back Jadarian Price is slated to make his highly anticipated NFL debut and first start for the Seattle Seahawks on Wednesday, stepping into a pivotal role in a primetime season opener against the New England Patriots, a rematch of Super Bowl LX. This marks Price’s first start under center since his senior year of high school in Denison, Texas, in 2021, a testament to his rapid ascent and the Seahawks’ strategic investment in his potential.
Hailing from Notre Dame, where he primarily served as a backup to fellow first-round pick Jeremiyah Love, Price enters the professional ranks with a relatively fresh workload, having amassed 280 carries over three seasons. This judicious usage has positioned him as the envisioned cornerstone of the Seahawks’ revamped rushing attack, a critical component following the departure of Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III, who joined the Kansas City Chiefs as a free agent. The team’s depth chart at running back has been significantly reshaped, with Zach Charbonnet also beginning the season on the physically unable to perform list, further elevating the importance of Price’s immediate impact. His absence from preseason games means his inaugural NFL carry will occur under the bright lights of this season-opening contest.
Seahawks’ Strategic Investment in Price
Seattle’s decision to select Price in the first round of April’s draft underscores a strong conviction in his talent and future contributions. Head Coach Mike Macdonald has publicly lauded Price’s potential for NFL stardom, emphasizing not only his on-field abilities but also the character traits he displayed by remaining loyal to Notre Dame despite Love’s entrenched starting position. General Manager John Schneider echoed this sentiment, describing Price as a significant value pick and an ideal fit for the Seahawks’ evolving offensive scheme under a new offensive coordinator.
Schneider elaborated on Price’s multifaceted skillset, highlighting his "instant acceleration, vision, cut back ability," and crucially, his "contact balance." He further noted Price’s propensity to "work it back inside" rather than consistently bouncing runs to the perimeter, a nuanced trait that often leads to explosive plays. The GM also pointed to Price’s "home-run speed" and "explosive runs," citing his three career kickoff return touchdowns, two of which came in his most recent college season. Schneider specifically recalled Price’s performance against USC as "ridiculous," emphasizing his "instant acceleration" as a defining characteristic.
A New Era for the Seahawks’ Backfield
The departure of Kenneth Walker III, a dynamic force who averaged 4.6 yards per carry and scored 11 touchdowns in his final season with Seattle, has created a void that Price is expected to fill. Walker’s significant contributions, including a powerful 135-yard, 27-carry performance against the Patriots in Super Bowl LX, were instrumental in the Seahawks’ championship run. His exit, coupled with Charbonnet’s placement on the PUP list, has accelerated the integration of Price into the primary offensive engine.
The Seahawks’ offense, under the guidance of offensive coordinator Mike Macdonald, is undergoing a strategic recalibration. While specific schematic adjustments remain under wraps, the emphasis on a strong running game is a perennial hallmark of successful NFL teams. Price’s ability to contribute both as a between-the-tackles runner and a threat in the open field is seen as a key to unlocking the full potential of this offensive unit.
Patriots Eyeing Redemption in Super Bowl Rematch
For the New England Patriots, this season opener represents more than just the start of a new campaign; it’s an immediate opportunity for retribution against the team that ended their Super Bowl aspirations. Head Coach Mike Vrabel’s return to the franchise was marked by a formidable AFC title game victory over the Denver Broncos, culminating in a Super Bowl appearance. However, repeating that success in a highly competitive AFC will undoubtedly present new challenges.
The Patriots demonstrated remarkable resilience during their last season, stringing together a 10-game winning streak and engaging in fierce competition with the Broncos down the stretch. Their defense, which ranked sixth in the league in run defense last season, allowing just 101.7 yards per game, will face a significant test against the Seahawks’ new-look backfield. The Patriots are well aware of the threat posed by Seattle’s ground game, especially after Walker’s dominant performance in their previous encounter.
Challenges and Opportunities for the Patriots’ Offense
New England’s path to victory will hinge on their ability to establish a consistent offensive rhythm against a stout Seahawks defense. Quarterback Drake Maye and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels face the daunting task of moving the ball against a unit that stifled opponents throughout their championship season. The Patriots’ offensive line will need to provide better protection and create more running lanes to support their new offensive philosophy.
In an effort to bolster their passing attack, the Patriots have acquired A.J. Brown from the Philadelphia Eagles, adding a proven No. 1 receiver to their roster. This move comes after significant shuffling at the wide receiver position, including the release of Stefon Diggs and the trade of Kayshon Boutte to the Houston Texans. The signing of Romeo Doubs from the Green Bay Packers further diversifies their receiving corps as Maye aims to build upon an impressive MVP-caliber season.
McDaniels has expressed optimism regarding Maye’s development, anticipating "exponential growth" from the young quarterback. Maye set a franchise record in 2025 with a 72% completion percentage, throwing for 4,394 yards, 31 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. "This year, we’re trying to take (the 2025 foundation) and then go to the next phase of that, the next level of that, in his case which is obviously playing the position of quarterback. He knows a hell of a lot more than he did last year at this time," McDaniels stated during June minicamp. Brown, a six-time 1,000-yard receiver in seven NFL seasons, brings a wealth of experience and playmaking ability. He registered five catches for 56 yards against Seattle in 2023 while with the Eagles.
Historical Context and Statistical Trends
This season opener holds historical significance as the first Week 1 Super Bowl rematch since the Denver Broncos hosted the Carolina Panthers in 2016, a rematch of Super Bowl 50. The Patriots have endured a challenging stretch against the Seahawks, having lost their last four consecutive games in the all-time series. Seattle currently leads the all-time series with a 12-9 record.
The Seahawks’ championship season was characterized by a 14-3 record and a suffocating defense that proved difficult for opponents to overcome. Quarterback Sam Darnold’s steady play, combined with Walker’s potent running and wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s All-Pro performance (averaging 105.5 receiving yards per game and scoring 10 touchdowns), created a formidable offensive unit. Despite these successes, Darnold acknowledged a degree of personal disappointment in not performing at his absolute best on the grandest stage, relying heavily on Walker and a stellar defense. His 2025 season saw him throw 14 interceptions against 4,048 passing yards and 25 touchdowns, tempering national accolades for the 2018 third overall pick in his fifth professional season.
Coach Macdonald has praised Darnold’s dedication to improvement. "I’ll tell you right now, he’s being really decisive with the ball, taking care of the ball, making great decisions. He’s playing fast," Macdonald commented on Darnold’s offseason progress. "He’s being aggressive when he needs to be. He’s doing a lot of great things. Great command. His process is really cool."
Broader Implications for the Season
The outcome of this Super Bowl rematch will undoubtedly set the tone for both franchises as they embark on their respective seasons. For the Seahawks, Price’s performance will be a critical barometer of their ability to maintain their offensive prowess without Walker. His successful integration could solidify their status as NFC contenders. For the Patriots, a strong showing and a victory would signal their potential to rebound from their Super Bowl loss and re-establish themselves as a dominant force in the AFC.
The Patriots’ defensive unit, under Vrabel’s tutelage, is expected to be a primary strength. Their ability to contain Seattle’s run game, particularly Price in his debut, will be paramount. Conversely, the Seahawks’ defense, which demonstrated its championship mettle in the Super Bowl, will aim to replicate that dominance. Maye’s ability to navigate pressure from the Seahawks’ pass rush and find success against their secondary will be a key storyline.
As Vrabel articulated the team’s focus, "We will have to block them better. We will have to be able to run the football better. We will have to be able to stop the run better. There are a lot of things that we are going to have to do better based on the personnel that they have." This sentiment underscores the multifaceted challenges and the need for a comprehensive improvement across all facets of the game for New England.
The stage is set for a compelling season opener, pitting two of the league’s most recent championship contenders against each other. The debut of Jadarian Price and the Patriots’ quest for redemption promise a night of high-stakes football.
–Field Level Media
Lina Irawan
Yuyun Lusiyani
Pevita Pearce
Eva Lovia
Amara Maple