SEATTLE — For D.J. Hackett to make a meaningful play, he had to play in a meaningful game, and that has been a struggle this season.
A high ankle sprain in the season opener, then a reinjury of the same ankle Nov. 25 in his fourth game back put the Seahawks’ receiver on the sideline again.
Saturday, in his second game back, Hackett made the plays that the Seahawks badly needed in their playoff opener against the Washington Redskins. He caught six passes for 101 yards, including a 20-yard touchdown catch in the fourth quarter that started the Seahawks’ comeback from a one-point deficit.
“It just feels great to be back out there and contributing to the team,” Hackett said. “It’s always rough (being injured) but I’m going to go out and make the most of every opportunity I have when I’m out there.”
His 8-yard catch on the Seahawks’ second series helped launch their first touchdown drive. His 7-yard catch early in the second quarter helped set up Josh Brown’s 50-yard field goal for a 10-0 Seahawks lead.
Then, after the Redskins rallied to take a 14-13 lead early in the fourth quarter, Hackett made his biggest catch when the Seahawks absolutely needed it.
The Hawks had a second down on the Redskins 20-yard-line when Hasselbeck dropped back, pump faked to the right and threw to Hackett, who had beaten the Redskins’ single coverage to get open in the left side of the end zone.
“They were in a straight man coverage,” Hackett said. “The safety is back there, but it’s hard for him to cover the whole field. When I made the move, I knew I was open.”
Because of the injury, Hackett almost became forgotten during the season as players like Nate Burleson and Bobby Engram emerged. Saturday’s performance, however, showed what the 6-foot-2 Hackett means to the Seahawks.
“He makes plays,” offensive coordinator Gil Haskell said. “He’s the possession receiver. Nate’s the fast guy, Bobby’s the smart guy and he (Hackett) is the big guy that you need. He’s just like the tight end, like the tight end should be.”
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