One year later: Healthy Hamlin has moved on

Published 9:00 pm Friday, October 20, 2006

KIRKLAND – An anniversary unworthy of celebration came and went this week, unnoticed even by its central participant.

“Did it?” Ken Hamlin asked Friday, one year and three days after he was taken to an emergency room with severe head injuries suffered in an altercation at Pioneer Square. “I didn’t even think about it. It’s in my past, and I don’t dwell on the past. I move forward.”

Hamlin’s clean bill of health has made it possible for him to move on without looking back at the day that changed his life forever.

He was cleared to participate in practices last April, and hasn’t experienced any symptoms since returning to the field. Twelve months after the incident, Hamlin finds himself in the clear.

“I’m appreciative of everyone who gave me the opportunity to come back,” he said. “But we’ve got to keep moving. This week, we’ve got another challenge in front of us (in Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings).”

Teammates are amazed at how far Hamlin has come since the incident, which left his playing career in serious jeopardy.

“It’s phenomenal,” middle linebacker Lofa Tatupu said. “We’re talking about life here, not just football. It shows how blessed he is, and it also shows how tough he is.

“It’s unbelievable. He’s my vote for comeback player of the year – hands down.”

A year and a few days later, Hamlin shrugs off the significance of his improbable turnaround.

“It’s something that happened,” he said “I’ve moved on, and we’re trying to win games.”

Tampa who? While a game between the Seahawks and Minnesota Vikings shouldn’t have much to do with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, that team’s defense could be the key to Sunday’s outcome.

The so-called “Tampa Two” defense, which is another name for the Cover-2, has given the Seahawks fits this season. Chicago and Detroit both run similar schemes, and the Seahawks didn’t score a single touchdown in either one of those games.

“Until you find what it is your offense can do to beat that system, it’s tough to find a rhythm,” Seahawks receiver Nate Burleson said. “It’s one of those things where, sooner or later, we’re going to find an antidote for it.”

The Seahawks’ quick-strike passing offense has trouble with the defense in that it often uses two defenders – a corner and a safety – to cover a receiver.

“In that defense, you draft and eventually try and get people – linebackers in particular – that can really run and are a little bit smaller,” Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren said. “I think your corners are certain types, but it all works, because you’re active with four guys rushing. These guys so far are impressive to me.”

The Vikings started using the system after defensive coordinator Mike Tomlin came over after spending five seasons as an assistant in Tampa Bay. Besides the Buccaneers, Chicago, Detroit and Indianapolis also use the system.

Remember me? A familiar face was back at practice Friday, but only as a spectator.

Wide receiver Bobby Engram, who has been at home recovering from a thyroid condition this week, walked into the practice bubble midway through Friday’s session and was greeted with a few hugs and high-fives.

Holmgren said that tests finally revealed the extent of Engram’s condition. He was found to have a viral infection and is currently taking medicine. Holmgren is holding out hope that he’ll be able to practice sometime next week.

“I’m a little optimistic about those things, but I expect him to participate next week,” Holmgren said.

Engram has lost eight pounds after experiencing exhaustion and flu-like symptoms.

Bum thumb: Seahawks receiver Burleson admitted to the St. Paul Pioneer Press this week that the thumb injury that he suffered at training camp has had something to do with his dropped passes.

“It’s tough for me to say that, because that’s a cop-out,” Burleson told the Pioneer Press. “But there are certain points in practice and games when the ball slides through my hands, and I know if I didn’t have my thumb (injury), it would have been a caught ball. It plays a role, but I can’t make excuses.”

Burleson has dropped three passes this season and lost his starting job to Deion Branch three weeks ago.

Quick slants: Holmgren said that tight end Jerramy Stevens is likely to make his 2006 debut in Sunday’s game. “He won’t play a full game,” Holmgren said, “but he’ll do it.” Stevens has been out with a knee injury. … Defensive tackle Craig Terrill is expanding his role after being deactivated for last Sunday’s game. Terrill has been showing the coaches this week that he can also play defensive end, and his versatility could eventually result in more playing time. … The game balls from Sunday’s win over St. Louis were handed out after Friday’s practice. They went to wide receiver Deion Branch (offense), defensive end Bryce Fisher (defense) and kicker Josh Brown (special teams).