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After 20 Years, Brown Calls End to His Career
Mark Brunell takes a tumble, thanks to Chuck Darby, who sacked the Redskins' quarterback for an eight-yard loss late in the fourth quarter.
(By Toni L. Sandys -- The Washington Post)
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Still, the Seahawks didn't seem too concerned about his availability for next week's NFC championship game. Seattle Coach Mike Holmgren pointed to an extra day of preparation (because yesterday's game was Saturday and next week's is on a Sunday) and said he thought Alexander would be sufficiently recovered.
"There are grades of concussions," Holmgren said. "I think if I showed him a picture of a truck he would say it was a truck and not a butterfly."
Alexander, the league's most valuable player, was knocked out of the game on a running play when he attempted to cut back on second and six from his 39 late in the first quarter.
Arrington and Cornelius Griffin were waiting and crunched Alexander as he attempted to dive forward. Alexander remained on the ground for several moments before walking off the field with 4 minutes 38 seconds left in the quarter. At halftime, the Seahawks announced Alexander would not return. He left the game with nine yards on six carries.
Things got worse for the Seahawks. On third and nine from the Redskins 47, Mack Strong took a three-yard gain off right tackle. Wide receiver Darrell Jackson was called for an illegal block above the waist and injured his back in the process. He left the game with 58 seconds left in the quarter.
Jackson returned in the second quarter, gaining a key first down on third and 10 from his 26, a play that kept the 10-play drive alive. Later, Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck hit Jackson for a 29-yard touchdown. Jackson finished the game with a franchise playoff-record 143 yards receiving. . . .
The hits continued on special teams. Redskins punt returner Antonio Brown fielded a punt inside his 10 and made one move before being clobbered by cornerback Jordan Babineaux.
Brown stayed down for a moment and got up briefly before falling to one knee. Eventually, Brown ran to the sideline under his own power.
On special teams, cornerback Ade Jimoh flattened Seattle punt returner Jimmy Williams twice. The Seahawks fumbled four times in the first half, losing two.
Springs Returns
The Redskins' defense was back to nearly full capacity. Shawn Springs started at right corner after missing last week's game with a strained right groin. Along with Brown, Springs played for most of the game before cramping.
"I think I came out all right," Springs said. "The reason for the cramps wasn't the travel or the flight or anything. I think it was because I still didn't have a normal week of practice. I haven't been right."
Like the Eagles in the season finale, the Seahawks tested Springs early, hitting Jackson for 37 yards on the third play of the game.
Wide receiver James Thrash was inactive with a broken thumb. Thrash did not practice during the week. The Redskins had said they believed Thrash might be able to play if the medical staff could create a special cast or splint for him.
Taylor Jacobs started at wide receiver and caught three passes for 19 yards.
Demetric Evans started at left end for injured Renaldo Wynn (broken forearm).
Staff writer Les Carpenter contributed to this report.
