Turning point: After recovering a kickoff on the Seattle 14, and
leading 14-13, the Redskins could not add to their fourth-quarter
surge. They had already scored two touchdowns in the final quarter, but
they exited with no points after this series. Seattle did not take the
lead on its next possession, but it did start to play with more
offensive fire. Had the Redskins been able to score a touchdown – or
even get a field goal – things could have turned out differently. Shaun Suisham’s missed 30-yarder did not help.
Play to forget: After the Seahawks took a 21-14 lead, the Redskins
still were in OK shape. They started with the ball at their own 46 and
plenty of time remaining. But on first down, quarterback Todd Collins
lofted a deep out to Santana Moss, who, unfortunately for them, had
turned inside and never saw the pass. Seattle’s Marcus Trufant did. And
he intercepted the pass, returning it 78 yards for the back-breaking
touchdown. Jordan Babineaux added his own touchdown return for a score
with under a minute remaining.
Play to remember: The 30-yard touchdown pass from Collins to Moss. It
gave Washington a 14-13 lead after it had been outplayed for the first
three quarters. And it had shades of the Dallas Miracle all over again.
But it was short lived.
Difference in the game: Ultimately it was the turnovers. But early on
it was Seattle’s defensive speed. The Seahawks’ front seven was simply
much quicker than Washington’s. Time and again the Seahawks forced
missed blocks by beating the Redskins inside – from Chris Cooley to
Stephon Heyer and Jason Fabini. They all had their problems blocking.
Pumped up: Seattle quarterback Matt Hasselbeck threw 20 yards to D.J. Hackett for the go-ahead touchdown. He pump faked to his right, drawing
safety LaRon Landry out of the middle. Hackett, running from the inside
left slot, faked outside and Pierson Prioleau bit hard. Hackett turned
up and made the easy grab.
Statistically speaking: Washington averaged 2.6 yards on 29 carries. …
Punter Derrick Frost averaged 43.5 yards per punt, but only 33 net. And
his 33-yarder from his own end zone gave Seattle the ball on the
Redskins’ 42 with 8:03 to play. The wind was brutal and was in his
face, but it was a lousy kick.
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