Seahawks vs. Ravens: Alexander Catches a TD, In 8 Parts

Shaun Alexander's first TD catch since Christmas Eve 2005 was probably the most surprising part of a performance that, we all hope, portends a late-season renaissance. Four more games like this from Alexander, and the Hawks could be celebrating on the field in Glendale. On this screen pass, Alexander used the strengths--north/south speed, the ability to shed tackles, and the power to get past the goal line--that made him the NFL MVP.


1) The Hawks line up in that most basic of football formations, the I.



2) After a play-action fake, three Hawks are leading the blocking at left--that's Floyd Womack, Leonard Weaver, and Chris Spencer. Three of the Ravens' four rushers are rushing the passer full-bore, just as the Seahawks want. Only #94, Justin Bannon, has sniffed out the screen. He's starting to get away from Chris Gray at the hashmark at the bottom of the field. Alexander is a blur, racing out of the backfield past Walter Jones, who's ably blocking Terrell Suggs.



3) Alexander makes the catch, and turns upfield. Chris Spencer is sealing off Alexander's right, Floyd Womack is blocking SS Dawan Landry on Alexander's left. Though he sniffed out the screen Bannon's not fast enough to catch Alexander from behind--Chris Gray got just enough of him.



4) Landry does a nice job of working through Womack's block to get a shot at Alexander. But Shaun shoves him away with his left hand--which, as you see, is in a cast. Alexander's defenders have said his inability to use this hand has hurt his production--he's using it again, and here it's helped him break a tackle.



5) Nick Greisen, who was staring in place of Ray Lewis, had done a nice job to make his way across the field and make a diving attempt on Alexander. But Alexander's got too much momentum, and Greisen slides off. Would Ray Lewis have made that tackle? Quite likely.


6) At the goal line, Alexander bowls over the Ravens CB who's got the only shot at stopping him.


7) Burleson and Alexander salute.


8) And, on the sideline, it's time for the parka.