The Seahawks, 0-1 at the time, were in danger of blowing a 21-0 halftime lead against Atlanta at Qwest Field. Seattle had done little on offense in the second half and its lead was down to 21-10 when it took possession at its 9-yard line.

Two plays netted 9 yards. On third-and-1, Shaun Alexander, known to occasionally dance in the backfield in hopes of a breaking a long run, perhaps set a tone for the season when he plowed over 219-pound Bryan Scott in the hole, picking up 4 yards.

Seattle ran off more than 7 minutes and eventually hung on for a 21-18 victory.

“I told some of the guys before the game started that playing aggressive and playing with passion is a choice,” said Alexander, who rushed for 144 yards. “I felt that was a great time to let everybody see some aggression.”

The play most will remember from the game was Jerramy Stevens’ diving, full-extended 35-yard touchdown catch in the second quarter. But Alexander’s tough run put his MVP season in motion.