D.J. Hackett appeared to tweak something on a play earlier, and we have not seen him in the game since then. There has been no announcement made in the pressbox, but something seems awry here. Seattle has gone three-wide only twice in the first 12 plays of its current drive. Did not see Hackett in there for either play. Stay tuned.
LB Leroy Hill has left the game for Seattle. He has a concussion, according to the latest press-box announcement. Kevin Bentley is in the game.
They announced in the press box that Kelly Herndon has suffered a broken ankle. They did not say it’s season ending, but we can make that assumption.
The Seahawks are missing both starting cornerbacks, but Bucs coach Jon Gruden continues to attackle Seattle’s defense with a lot of two-back, two-tight-end personnel groupings. You cannot blame him — it’s working most of the time — but I would have expected more three- and four-receiver looks once Kelly Herndon left the game. As Gruden said last week, you can’t be what you aren’t (personnel-wise).
Referee Jerome Boger just made a mistake, I say with some confidence, in ruling a deep pass to D.J. Hackett as incomplete. Hackett made a spectacular, tip-it-to-himself grab. He secured the ball. The ball came out as Hackett’s elbow touched the ground. His momentum carried him into the end zone as he was gathering the ball. The official ruled this to be a touchdown. The replay official challenged the call. Replays seemed to suggest that Hackett could be ruled down at the 1. Never did I think the catch itself was in question. But they came back and ruled the
…The Seahawks are helping starting CB Kelly Herndon off the field after Bucs WR Joey Galloway caught a 44-yard grab against the veteran corner. Herndon appeared to hurt a leg on the play. This is going to get interesting. Jimmy Williams is in the game opposite Kelly Jennings. So far, Williams is playing right corner, with Jennings at left corner. Jordan Babineaux is the nickel corner. Another injury at corner and we might see Robbie Tobeck back there.
The Seahawks are operating much more efficiently on offense in this game. Jerramy Stevens is catching the ball. D.J. Hackett made an outstanding grab after the corner hit him illegally to save an easy touchdown. The play-calling has been unpredictable (second-down run play from three-wide grouping for a 10-yard gain after running on first down). These are all very good signs for the Hawks as they try to get some momentum going for the playoffs. As for the defense, well, let’s just say the offense is looking better.
RB Cadillac Williams is among the Bucs’ inactive players. The tohers: RB Lionel Gates, S Donte Nicholson, DT Darrell Campbell, C Nick Mihlhauser, T Donald Penn and TE Alex Smith. Luke McCown is the third quarterback.