Mo provides a rush

Published 11:40 pm Monday, November 12, 2007

SEATTLE — The Qwest Field crowd was in its typical frenzy Monday night, causing false-starts and rattling the San Francisco offense.

But one familiar sound that didn’t come from the stands was the raspberries that often accompanied the Seattle Seahawks’ running game.

While Shaun Alexander watched from the sideline, backup Maurice Morris put on a solid performance, running the ball in Monday’s 24-0 win over the 49ers. Morris had 87 rushing yards on 28 carries in a game that started with an emphasis on the passing game and relied on Morris’ legs for much of the second half. He gained 50 yards after halftime.

“Whenever you spread the field, it forces the defense to respect the pass,” Morris said. “… When we’re in rhythm, the offense keeps the ball moving and keeps the defense off balance, and I think we did that.”

Seattle’s 106 rushing yards were the most the Seahawks have had since the season opener (139). Alexander hadn’t had more than 78 yards in a game since Week 3.

Alexander was scratched from the lineup due to a sore left knee. He saw limited practice time last week and was given the night off.

Secret weapon: While Alexander hasn’t scored a touchdown since Week 2, the Seahawks have found another favorite target in the red zone.

This one doesn’t have quite the credentials. Tight end Will Heller, who has just 25 career receptions, has scored three times in Seattle’s past three games. Half of his six catches this season have gone for touchdowns, including a 1-yarder on Seattle’s opening drive Sunday.

Kelso boy returns: For the first time since being struck by a car outside Qwest Field last December, 13-year-old Kelso middle school student Justin Lapham was in town for a Seahawks game.

Lapham and seven others sat in the upper deck Monday.

Lapham’s stepfather, Kenny Andrews, said the team bought tickets for their church in Kelso.

Lapham was profiled in Friday’s Herald after missing last year’s Seahawks-49ers game because he got hit by a car outside of the stadium. While at Harborview Medical Center, Lapham roomed with San Francisco offensive lineman Eric Heitmann, who had broken his leg in the December 2006 game.

“It was really nice to go,” said Andrews, who had not attended a game since last year’s incident. “We got a bunch of pictures with Heitmann on the field before the game. It was just nice to be there.”

Drive killer: Nickel back Jordan Babineaux thwarted two fourth downs and caused a fumble, ending three drives almost single-handedly.

Babineaux blindsided San Francisco quarterback Alex Smith on a blitz, causing a fumble that was recovered by teammate Darryl Tapp. He was also in on a goal-line stand on fourth-and-1 and later broke up a fourth-down pass.

“Our main goal is to get off the field, whether it’s three-and-out or one and out,” Babineaux said. “One of our goals coming into this game was to be good on third down, and we did that all game.”

He’s back: Wide receiver D.J. Hackett made a few plays in his return from an ankle injury last week, but on Monday his presence was really felt.

Hackett had a game-high eight receptions for 101 yards, marking just the second 100-yard game of his NFL career. He also caught a touchdown pass for the second week in a row.

In his two games since returning from the ankle injury, Hackett has 14 receptions for 159 yards and two touchdowns.

D-Jack’s back: Wideout Darrell Jackson played his first game in Seattle since his trade in the offseason to San Francisco. He finished with just one catch for four yards.

He said he held no animosity against the Seahawks for the trade.

“It’s all in the sport,” he said. “Being a professional, things like that happen. I’m a San Francisco 49er now. I was here seven years. I had a good time.”

Although the Qwest Field crowd booed Jackson each time his name was mentioned on the public-address system, he said fans generally were good to him Monday night.

“They pumped me up,” he said. “They gave me a good ovation at the end of the game. They clapped for me a couple times on the sidelines. They had a lot of good posters out there, a lot of good support. I think I gave them what I had when I was here. I think they respect me for it.”

Quick slants: In addition to Alexander, the Seahawks were without wide receiver Deion Branch (foot) and linebacker Leroy Hill (hamstring). Kevin Bentley filled in for Hill and had a game-high 10 tackles. … Tight end Marcus Pollard played after missing last week’s game with a knee injury. He caught two passes Monday. … Also active was defensive end Patrick Kerney, who fought off a strained oblique muscle to record a sack. Kerney saw time at left defensive end, while Tapp moved to the right side. … Before the game, the Seahawks released cornerback Kevin Hobbs and signed fullback David Kirtman from the practice squad. Kirtman was active for Monday’s game, providing depth at fullback in case Leonard Weaver saw time at tailback.