Concentration is key for Alexander

By Scott M. Johnson

Herald Writer

CHENEY — After a practice in which he dropped back-to-back passes, Seattle Seahawks running back Shaun Alexander spent a few minutes getting a pep talk from the coach.

Mike Holmgren pulled Alexander aside following Thursday’s morning practice to ask his young back to stay focused — especially when it comes to catching the football.

"He’s just got to concentrate," Holmgren said after the training camp session. "Shaun’s problem is his concentration level. At times he thinks he’s at the fraternity party at Alabama where everyone’s nice. They liked him there. I don’t like him that much."

Holmgren’s words weren’t meant to be venomous. It’s just his version of tough love.

During the summer, Holmgren made a similar comment regarding Alexander, going as far as to compare him to a character from a television movie named Sybil who had multiple personalities.

"He likes to joke around," Alexander said. "There are some days when it looks like I’m going to be the next Walter Payton, and then there are some days when I may look like the fifth-stringer from the University of Tennessee or something like that.

"It’s all just learning. It’s really easy to be passive when you’re not sure of yourself. Sometimes I get to thinking too much because I want to be so good."

Alexander is going to serve as a backup to veteran Ricky Watters again this year, but Holmgren is looking for ways to get the 2000 first-round pick onto the field.

"He is a very gifted guy running the football," Holmgren said. "He can run, and his instincts allow him to do some marvelous things running the football. The other parts of his game — pass protection, receiving the football — he can’t just play like he plays when he runs. He’s got to concentrate on those things. That’s a learned thing, and we’re working with him."

No word on Dilfer: Holmgren said has not decided whether or not quarterback Trent Dilfer will play in Saturday’s preseason opener at Indianapolis.

While Brock Huard recovers from a stomach virus, Dilfer has been practicing with the No. 2 offense. But he’s still learning the system.

"He knows enough to run practice," quarterbacks coach Jim Zorn said. "But I don’t think he knows enough to execute during a whole game. (Dilfer’s playing status Saturday) depends on how we would limit him."

Holmgren said he would discuss the situation with Zorn and Dilfer on Thursday night before making a decision.

Huard’s health will also play into the decision. He has not practiced in two days, and did not even attend practice until Thursday afternoon, when he watched from the sidelines looking as white as a sheet.

"Brock, he’s been really sick," Holmgren said. "Everyone said he had a reaction to an Advil he took, but I don’t think so. He’s a sick puppy."

The preliminary plan for Saturday is to allow starter Matt Hasselbeck to play into the second quarter, with Huard coming on in relief. Dilfer and/or Travis Brown could see playing time in the second half. If Huard cannot play, Dilfer might fill in as the No. 2 quarterback.

Not so fast: Although Floyd Wedderburn started at right guard last season, offensive line coach Tom Lovat said he and Chris Gray are in quite a battle for the starting spot this year.

"There could very well be a change," Lovat said.

Wedderburn had a solid season in 2000, but that does not mean he’s a sure thing to retain his job as starter.

"He played adequate" last season, Lovat said. "He’s just got to go to the next level."

Gray, who has started 34 games at center over the past three seasons, played right guard with the first unit Thursday while Wedderburn rested a minor injury. Lovat had not made a decision as to whom would start in Saturday’s game.

Quick slants: Defensive end Matt LaBounty (knee) and defensive tackle Chad Eaton (neck) took Thursday morning off to rest injuries, but aren’t expected to miss Saturday’s game. Eaton returned to practice during the afternoon. … First-round pick Koren Robinson and tackle Chris McIntosh are among six players who will not make the trip to Indianapolis due to injuries. … The official temperature at Thursday’s afternoon practice was 90 degrees, but it felt much hotter on the practice field.