Charlie Whitehurst's one quarter produces better statistics

Charlie Whitehurst heard his name called in the third quarter when coach Pete Carroll inserted him into the game with 47 seconds left in the period.

Whitehurst had his first name chanted in the fourth quarter after he scored on a 1-yard run to cap an 88-yard drive. Did he hear the crowd at Qwest Field calling his name?

"Not really," Whitehurst said. "You're down however many points at that time, it doesn't really matter."

Whitehurst passed for 83 yards in a little more than a quarter compared to 71 for Matt Hasselbeck, who he replaced at quarterback. Whitehurst also scrambled three times for a total of 10 yards, including a 6-yard run on fourth-and-four during the touchdown drive.

"We were in four-down territory," Whitehurst said. "So we got an opportunity to go for a touchdown instead of kick a field goal a few times."

Carroll said he was unsure which quarterback would start next week, which left open the possibility there might be a change. Whitehurst was asked how that would affect him.

"Not much is going to change," Whitehurst said. "Everybody goes in and works as hard as they can every week and the coaches make the decisions."

How does the potential for a change affect other members of the offense?

"There are changes that happen almost on a weekly basis," tight end John Carlson said. "Quarterback, obviously, is a major change. In terms of what they're going to do, I have no idea. That's a coach's decision, but we're going to support both of those guys and rally around those guys, do whatever we can. It's a team game, and offensively all 11 of us have to do our job to be successful."

Wide receiver Mike Williams said he did not expect to see a change.

"I know Matt has had a rough last couple of weeks," Williams said. "From a personal standpoint, in our receiver group, we wanted to get out there and make plays for him and everything. We expect to see him Wednesday. ...

"That's nothing against Charlie, I think Charlie came in and did very well, was very composed, and looked like he was prepared and ready to go."

Sibling rivalry

Little brother made his presence felt first, with Seahawks safety Jordan Babineaux intercepting a pass that set up Seattle for a 38-yard field goal that tied the score at 10 in the second quarter.

Big brother left the larger impression, though. Atlanta's Jonathan Babineaux recovered Matt Hasselbeck's fumble in the end zone for a third-quarter touchdown that was the turning point. It also was Jonathan's first career touchdown.

"I thought my brother had one up on me when he got that pick," Jonathan said. "But I came back and got that touchdown and that was a great feeling after that interception. It was a huge momentum swing for us and it was all downhill from there."

Jonathan is 29, a former first-round draft choice. Jordan is one year younger. The brothers played against each other in 2005 and again in 2007 and it's conceivable the two could see each other in the playoffs.

"We got to take care of our own business," Jordan said. "Right now, our vision is set on Tampa."

Andrews inactive

Stacy Andrews started the past 12 games at right guard, but was not active Sunday despite being healthy as Seattle chose to dress Chris White instead because of his ability to play both center and guard. Mike Gibson started at right guard, the spot Andrews previously filled, and Chester Pitts started at left guard. It was the first change along the offensive line in four games.

Danny O'Neil: 206-464-2364 or doneil@seattletimes.com