Washington raves over Seahawks QB

The Washington Redskins left Seattle muttering about lost opportunities and raving about Seahawks' quarterback Matt Hasselbeck.

Washington's defensive game plan was predicated on taking Shaun Alexander out of the game, and they did so literally in the first quarter when the league's most valuable player was forced out with a concussion.

"We thought we could get it down to where it was one-dimensional, and that's what happened," Washington defensive back Ryan Clark said. "It was the way we wanted it: Just Hasselbeck and the passing game. My hat goes off to [No.] 8. I think he played a phenomenal game, and I think he single-handedly beat us."

That sentiment was conveyed throughout the losing locker room after the game, as Washington grasped to explain losing despite forcing three turnovers and knocking Seattle's leading playmaker out of the game early.

"Hey, Matt's a good player, man; I've seen him do it before," said Shawn Springs, a former Seahawks defensive back. "If Shaun's not the MVP, it's not like Matt couldn't be. He can move. We didn't capitalize like we should."

Washington raved about Hasselbeck's composure, his running ability, and his audibilizing on plays like Mack Strong's crucial 32-yard run on third-and-six in the fourth.

"When things started getting a little physical, Matt stepped up and made big plays," Washington linebacker Marcus Washington said. "He won a lot of respect from me today the way he played."

Marcus Washington admitted his team arrived here with the steadfast belief that the Seahawks were vulnerable.

"We watch film, and they've had a good season, but we felt they really weren't tested," said Washington. "I mean, San Francisco, Tennessee, the Texans. ... A couple of those teams, they played twice — Arizona. We feel when we play a team, we're going to give them a good day's work."

Washington's feelings of optimism expanded when Alexander fumbled on Seattle's first possession, then went out of the game after taking a vicious hit to the head.

Washington then put the onus on Hasselbeck to beat it — and he did just that.

"I really respect him," said Clark. "You get your MVP out, a team can fold its tent. They have great players on the offensive line, their receivers made great plays, and I just feel their quarterback was unbelievable.

"He scrambled, made pinpoint passes. You would think when 50 percent of your offense goes, you wouldn't be able to accomplish the things he did. He did a fantastic job."

So much so that many players expressed the belief they just lost to a Super Bowl team.

"I think we did," said Springs. "They have good players, a good defense, and home field throughout. Whoever comes in here better be ready, because their defense was awesome, and Matt did enough with Shaun going down to beat us."

Larry Stone: 206-464-3146 or lstone@seattletimes.com.