Seahawks’ playoff drive needs help from the reserves

KIRKLAND – When Seattle Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren issued a challenge this week that his best players shine in the biggest games, he wasn’t being exclusive.

More than any time of year, December is when teams need some of their lesser-known players to start shining as well.

“We’ve got a lot of injuries. I mean, I’m even banged up,” said backup middle linebacker Orlando Huff, one of five Seahawks reserves who could be pivotal in the final three games of the season. “Everybody’s got to be ready, especially if we’re going to make a run in the playoffs. We’re going to need all 53 troops to win this war.”

Injuries, particularly at the linebacker position, and fatigue could force backups into more playing time down the stretch. How well some of those backups play could be the difference between a playoff berth and another January vacation for the Seahawks.

Here is a look at the five reserve players who could be most important over the final three weeks:

Outside linebacker D.D. Lewis. Starters Anthony Simmons and Chad Brown have had nagging injuries all year, which has opened the door for Lewis to see more playing time.

The undrafted second-year player was one of the first Seahawks to open the eyes of defensive coordinator Ray Rhodes at summer minicamps, and recently he has been showing why.

Lewis ranks ninth on the team with 43 tackles, including 26 in the three games he’s started in place of Brown or Simmons.

“Whenever you get the opportunity, you’ve just got to be ready,” Lewis said. “Those guys are starting because they’re outstanding linebackers. But you’ve got to make sure you’re prepared so you can step in and fill their shoes.”

Middle linebacker Orlando Huff. A former starter, Huff now plays behind veteran Randall Godfrey but has seen more playing time recently. Godfrey suffered a bruised sternum three weeks ago and has missed a lot of practice and game action.

Huff will have to make more of an impact than his three tackles indicated Sunday if the Seahawks are going to plug up the middle on running plays.

Defensive end Lamar King. A former first-round pick, King has struggled during his five-year career but has shown recent signs that he might be ready to contribute on a more consistent basis.

King started the past two weeks while Brandon Mitchell rested a strained calf. He’ll remain in the rotation even when Mitchell returns, but needs to make more of an impact if this defense is going to hold up.

Tight end Jerramy Stevens. Stevens is another disappointing first-round pick who has shown only glimpses of production. Itula Mili has played so well since Stevens’s arrival 20 months ago that the University of Washington product has been unable to seize the starting job.

Mili remains a solid contributor, but the 6-foot-7 Stevens could add a dimension that makes it even harder to defend the Seattle offense.

Defensive end Anton Palepoi. With Mitchell expected back this week, Palepoi could very well end up inactive the next three Sundays. But he was taken in the second-round of the 2002 NFL draft because of his pass-rushing skills, and the Seahawks need to find someone who can put pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

Obviously, this team’s fortunes lie mainly on the shoulders of people like Matt Hasselbeck, Shaun Alexander and Marcus Trufant. But some of the lesser-known players have to take on some of the load as well.

“It’s a big issue right now because this is when guys start to feel tired,” defensive tackle John Randle said. “This is the time when you have to start pushing yourself, and that’s when you need everybody to step up.”