But after a hard fought battle throughout regulation, it was Seattle quarterback Matt Hasselbeck proclaiming over the official’s open microphone after winning the coin toss in overtime, “We’ll take the ball and we’re going to score!”
The Seahawks avoided a lot of the problems that plagued them on the road to take this game into the extra period, but their playoff bubble burst when Packers cornerback Al Harris slipped in front of a sideline pass by Hasselbeck and took the interception 52 yards for the game-winning score.
Harris was tackled by his teammates in a wild celebration, but he managed to slip away for a victory lap around the field.
After a back-and-forth battle throughout the second half, Seattle tied the game with 51 seconds remaining on Shaun Alexander’s third one-yard touchdown run of the game. The score was set up by a six-play, 67 yard drive that was keyed by a 34-yard pass to wide receiver Bobby Engram that moved the Seahawks inside the ten yard line.
Both teams failed to move the ball on their first possessions in the extra period, both going three-and-out, but Seattle had picked up two first downs and appeared to be on their way to a game winning drive when Hasselbeck released the ill-fated throw.
The interception ended what had been a tremendous effort by the Seahawks QB, who completed 25-of-45 passes for 305 yards.
Brett Favre continued his hot play with a 26-for-38 performance for 319 yards, one touchdown, and no interceptions and wide receiver Javon Walker stepped up to catch five balls for 111 yards, including a 44 yarder that helped set up a touchdown in the second quarter.
With the victory, Green Bay will advance to play the NFC East Division Champion Philadelphia Eagles in next weekend‘s Divisional Playoffs..
