Tatupu's stellar day saves skin of Seahawks' punter

"That was my fault," Holmgren said, playing the good soldier afterward. "I should have told him to kick the ball out of bounds."

He didn't have to. Special teams coordinator Bruce DeHaven already had. And Plackemeier's failure to follow through nearly cost the Seahawks.

Of course, that's where Tatupu comes in. All afternoon, he was making plays -- and he did it from beginning to end. He intercepted A.J. Feeley's first pass, and he intercepted his last. He also led the team with 11 stops and was the single best reason the Seahawks were left standing.

"Lofa Tatupu had one of the great games I have ever seen a linebacker play," said Holmgren. "I've said this before, but he's the best linebacker I've ever coached."

But there was no certainty until late last week that he would play this game. Because of what Holmgren described as bruised ribs, Tatupu didn't practice until Friday -- long after game plans had been implemented.

Then he produced one of the best games of his career, reminiscent of heroics teammate Leroy Hill produced earlier this season when he missed a week of practice.

"I think you're our leading receiver today," Holmgren told Tatupu when the two embraced at game's end.

The linebacker laughed, then jokingly asked if he could have another week off.

"No," said Holmgren. "I love you, and I thank you for the win. But you're practicing next week."

Tatupu's achievements recalled a marvelous goal-line stand a week earlier when the Seahawks held off St. Louis after the Rams drove to the Seattle 5 in the closing minutes. It also followed a magnificent goal-line stand at the end of the first half Sunday when Seattle choked off four Eagles tries from the 1.

"As it turned out," said Holmgren, "that might've been the game."

No, it wasn't. Tatupu's third interception was. He'd been covering Westbrook coming out of the backfield, then switched assignments when he saw Feeley looking for targets. Moving to the middle of the field, he was in perfect position for Feeley's ill-advised pass -- a ball that hit him between the numbers.

"He's a gunslinger," Tatupu said of the Eagles quarterback, "and he'll take his chances. He has a clock in his head, especially with the West Coast offense built on timing. Timing is everything. There were times when I felt I could take a shot, and it paid off."

Later, Tatupu said he was "lucky to make plays," but that last interception had nothing to do with luck. Tatupu didn't budge, caught a ball thrown right at him and saved the day. Simple as that.

Mike Holmgren doesn't owe him. Ryan Plackemeier does.

"That was great," said teammate Rocky Bernard, "but he's a Pro Bowl player. That's why he's out there."