FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Quarterback Tom Brady and the New England Patriots set an NFL record in the first half of their game Sunday night against the Seattle Seahawks at Gillette Stadium.

With a 22-yard completion to Rob Gronkowski on the game’s fourth play, Brady helped the Patriots set a record for most pass attempts to start a season without an interception. It was New England’s 252nd pass attempt – with three quarterbacks.

Washington, with quarterback Jason Campbell, held the record of 251 passes in 2008.

New England’s streak ended at 258 in the second quarter when Brady threw an interception to DeShawn Shead on his 10th pass attempt of the game.

The Patriots’ streak included 143 attempts by Brady, 60 by Jimmy Garoppolo and 55 by Jacoby Brissett.

On the interception, Brady scrambled against a heavy Seattle rush, then heaved a long pass intended for rookie wide receiver Malcolm Mitchell on the left. But the ball was underthrown and was intercepted by Shead.

The Patriots are tied with Washington for second-most games without an interception to start a season, one behind the 1960 Cleveland Browns, with quarterback Milt Plum, who played their first nine games without an interception.

GRONKOWSKI HAD to leave the game momentarily in the second quarter after taking a huge hit to the chest from safety Earl Thomas on a pass down the right seam. He seemed dazed and walked off the field with the trainers.

After sitting out four plays, Gronkowski returned with the Patriots facing first-and-goal at the Seattle 3. He drew a defensive holding penalty on Cliff Avril two plays later, setting up LeGarrette Blount’s second touchdown of the game, a 1-yard run, that gave New England a short-lived 14-12 lead.

NEW ENGLAND’S new-look defense, minus linebacker Jamie Collins (traded to Cleveland on Halloween, one day into the team’s bye week), didn’t fare well in the first half.

The Patriots gave up 248 yards to the Seahawks, who scored on four of their five drives in the first two quarters. That included a final drive that covered 75 yards in 59 seconds and ended with Russell Wilson’s 18-yard touchdown pass to a wide-open Doug Baldwin with six seconds left in the first half, giving the Seahawks a 19-14 lead.

DION LEWIS was inactive for the Patriots. Lewis, who hasn’t played since he injured his left knee last November in a victory over Washington, was activated to the 53-man roster on Friday. In the past, whenever the Patriots have activated a player to the 53-man roster, he has played in the next game.

On his pregame radio appearance, Coach Bill Belichick said Lewis had a good week of practice. But he added, “When we feel it’s the right time, we’ll play him.” Lewis was the team’s most dynamic back last year, with 622 total yards rushing and receiving. His was injured after catching a screen pass, as his leg buckled when he planted his left foot.

Cornerback Eric Rowe was also inactive, as were linebacker Kyle Van Noy, defensive lineman Woodrow Hamilton, offensive tackle LaAdrian Waddle, running back D.J. Foster and tight end Matt Lengel.

Defensive end Michael Bennett (knee) was inactive for Seattle, but safety Kim Chancellor (groin) was active. He had missed the previous four games.

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