TURNING POINT
Seattle’s surge
Trailing 13-7 in the fourth quarter, Seattle began a drive on its 39-yard line after a punt by Paul Ernster. After two big passing plays, running back Shaun Alexander put the Seahawks on top 14-13, completing a touchdown drive with a 1-yard run. It was the first of four consecutive possessions Seattle scored on to finish the game.
CRAZY PLAY OF THE DAY
Elam’s mad dash
With 24 seconds remaining in the first half, on fourth-and-1 from the Seattle 25, Denver lined up for a field goal. Holder Jake Plummer flipped the ball over his head to kicker Jason Elam, who was on the run. Elam made it to the 23 for a first down. Elam, who came up hobbling after he was tackled, then kicked a 41-yard field goal with one second remaining.
HIT OF THE DAY
Always on the ball
Seattle’s Marcus Trufant made a huge hit – on the ball. After the Broncos’ Rod Smith caught a 6-yard pass at the Seahawks 40, Trufant put his helmet on the ball and jarred it loose. Seattle’s Julian Peterson picked up the ball and took it to the Denver 35.
BESTS
Hero’s welcome
Reception: When Cutler hit the field for pregame warm-ups, the early crowd responded with rousing applause. When the Broncos took the field closer to kickoff, many fans gave Cutler a standing ovation.
Comeback: Broncos running back Tatum Bell, above, rushed for 133 yards on 23 carries after not playing the previous two games.
Field position: Denver started with good field position on its three first-quarter possessions, starting at its 39, 43 and the 50.
Chase down: In the first quarter, Broncos defensive end Ebenezer Ekuban chased Seattle running back Shaun Alexander about 30 yards in the backfield before bringing him down at the Seattle 10 for a 2-yard loss.
Proud papa: When Cutler threw the first touchdown pass of his career, a 7-yard pass to tight end Stephen Alexander in the second quarter, the NBC cameras showed father Jack Cutler with a big smile on his face.
WORSTS
Pressure points
Pass: Cutler looked like a rookie in the second quarter when he threw an interception that was returned 25 yards for a touchdown by Seattle defensive end Darryl Tapp. Cutler evaded a sack twice on the play, then made an ill-advised pass attempt.
Chill: It was cold on the field, 16 degrees at kickoff.
