Mike Gibson's Uneven Start Against Elite Competition

Kevin Williams discarded Mike Gibson with an inside move and tackled Matt Hasselbeck on the first play from scrimmage of the game. I do not know that it was indicative, and let's not ignore just how good Kevin Williams is, but it certainly wasn't heartening. A three-step drop should not endanger the quarterback.

1-10-SEA 25 (14:55) 8-M.Hasselbeck pass short middle to 84-T.Houshmandzadeh to SEA 38 for 13 yards (26-A.Winfield).

Hasselbeck zinged a slant to T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Housh was off for 13 before being wrestled down.

1-10-SEA 38 (14:29) 33-L.Washington right tackle to SEA 42 for 4 yards (94-P.Williams, 20-M.Williams).

Gibson redeemed himself somewhat with a solid double teamed with Chris Spencer. Leon Washington sprinted for four. It was quick, efficient and productive, and that's the goal. The two doubled up on Pat Williams, moved him out and Gibson's strength allowed for Spencer to pull without Seattle losing the block. In fact, Gibson reach-blocked and did so well that Pat was caught reeling and fell over a pile of bodies.

2-6-SEA 42 (13:58) 8-M.Hasselbeck pass incomplete short left to 84-T.Houshmandzadeh (51-B.Leber).

The next attempt at a quick slant was nearly picked. Seattle left Mansfield Wrotto alone on the left and Ben Leber keyed the three-step drop and broke on the slant. That's a good play by the Vikings weakside linebacker, but also speaks to how quickly a limited playbook can become predictable.

3-6-SEA 42 (13:55) (Shotgun) 8-M.Hasselbeck pass incomplete deep right to 1-M.Williams.

The drive was ended with a little route confusion (maybe) and some definite pressure. Ray Edwards drove Sean Locklear back and almost into Hasselbeck and Hasselbeck thought wisely and threw it (away). John Carlson chipped Jared Allen on the left and the combined effort led to a competent block by Mansfield Wrotto. Allen couldn't edge rush and that leveled the playing field.