"So where was Steven Jackson? With a playoff berth on the line in the biggest game of the year, one would think the team's only Pro Bowl player would be a central part of the game plan.

But that wasn't the case. Jackson entered the game ranked fourth in the NFC with 1,196 rushing yards, and after 15 games had more touches than anyone in the league with 361 carries and receptions. But he finished with just 11 carries for 45 yards in Sunday's 16-6 loss to Seattle, even though it was a one-score game until the last of Olindo Mare's three field goals with 1 minute, 37 seconds left to play.

On only one occasion has Jackson had fewer carries this year, and that came in Game 3 against Washington when he left before halftime with a groin injury. (Jackson had 10 carries for 58 yards in that one.)

The old Jackson would've complained about his role in the offense, but that wasn't the case in the locker room afterward.

"I just try to make the most of the carries when my number's called - receiving or rushing, I just try to make the most of it," Jackson said. "And try to make something happen for the offense and for the team."

Jackson also had four catches for 39 yards, giving him 15 touches total. He entered the game averaging 24 touches.

Making Jackson's light workload all the more puzzling was the fact that Seattle hasn't exactly been a juggernaut defending the run this season, ranking 22nd in the NFL in yards allowed on the ground entering Sunday's game.

Fullback Mike Karney, who went four games without dressing, had twice as many carries in the first quarter as Jackson (two to one). And in two red zone possessions, Jackson touched the ball once."