Redskin Players of the Game: Seahawks
By Jake Russell | October 4th, 2005
Each week, THN will choose their three players of the game on offense, defense and special teams. Here are week four’s selections:
Offense: Mark Brunell
Through three games, Brunell continues to play smart and motivated football. The 13-year veteran is determined to prove that he is a better quarterback than he displayed in the 2004 season. After leading the Redskins to a comeback victory against the Cowboys in Week 2, he faced another challenge in Seattle’s improved defense.
On Sunday, the 35-year old southpaw went 20-36 for 226 yards and 2 touchdowns with 1 interception. Brunell spread the ball around very well and even found H-Back Mike Sellers for his first touchdown since the 2001 season. Brunell was very successful on third downs, converting 11 of 15 passes for 138 yards. He exhibited great leadership skills in overtime with a crucial 18-yard run up the middle to put the Redskins in Seattle territory. That run preceded a 30-yard pass to wide receiver Santana Moss that set up the Redskins game winning field goal.
Defense: Lemar Marshall
The Redskins defense held it’s own against a high-powered Seahawks offense led by running back Shaun Alexander and quarterback Matt Hasselbeck. Overall, it seemed as if everyone on the defensive side of the ball pitched in to contribute to the Redskins victory. Rookie cornerback Carlos Rogers started his first NFL game in place of injured veteran Walt Harris and struggled early on but slowly regained his composure as the game went on.
Lemar Marshall, however, was vital to the Redskins run defense, which held Alexander to 98 yards rushing. That feat marked the eighth straight game that the Redskins have held an opposing starting running back under 100 yards rushing – the longest current streak in the NFL. Marshall posted seven tackles and one sack. The sack came on the opening drive of the second half and forced Seattle to kick a field goal, which ended up wide left.
Special Teams: Nick Novak
Novak signed with the Redskins shortly before the Week 2 matchup against the Cowboys. He connected on two extra points against Dallas, but he had to prove that he was more useful than just extra points and kickoffs.
The rookie from the University of Maryland struggled on kickoffs and had a kick blocked against Seattle but was clutch when it counted.
Novak connected on two extra points and a 40-yard field goal in the third quarter. In overtime, Novak split the uprights with the 39-yard game-winning field goal.
Edit: This blog was archived in May of 2016 from our original articles database.It was originally posted by Jake Russell
