By Scott M. Johnson
Herald Writer
KIRKLAND – While hoping the decision never comes into play, Seattle Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren announced Trent Dilfer will be the team’s backup quarterback … for this week, at least.
The decision means University of Washington product Brock Huard will be the team’s third-string quarterback Sunday at Cleveland. Huard started four games for the Seahawks last season.
“It’s a bigger deal than it has to be,” Holmgren said of the decision to go with Dilfer. “I feel real good about the position. … I think it was a fair competition, and Trent came out a little bit better.”
Dilfer, who led the Baltimore Ravens to a Super Bowl victory in January, was signed to a one-year contract last month. He was a quick study in the Seahawks’ offense and provides more experience than Huard.
Huard will be inactive for Sunday’s game unless the other two quarterbacks get hurt.
“He’s been through the ringer the last couple of years,” Holmgren said. “He’s a very sensitive guy, but he understands how it works.”
Holmgren has not ruled out the possibility of alternating Dilfer and Huard as the No. 2 quarterback on a weekly basis.
After a strong preseason, Matt Hasselbeck solidified himself as the team’s starter. He will be making his debut in that role Sunday.
“I’m excited,” Hasselbeck said. “Really, it’s the whole season that’s going to be an adjustment. The 16 games, the wear and tear on your body. That’s what I have to get used to.”
Hasselbeck has been low-key about his starting debut, but Holmgren knows his young quarterback isn’t quite as calm as he’s letting on.
“He’ll be so excited for this game Sunday, that it will be something,” Holmgren said. “And then I’ve got a quarterback coach (Jim Zorn) who’s a little out there, too. You put the two guys together, and I’ll have to slip something in their food Sunday.”
The go-to guy: When the Seahawks take the field Sunday, they’ll only have seven players in the starting lineup who have been there for the past two openers.
Ricky Watters, Chad Brown and Walter Jones are among the obvious returning starters, but – amazingly – Todd Weiner also fits into that group. Weiner has started just seven games at right tackle in his three-year career, but two of them have come on opening day.
“He has been there,” Holmgren said. “Of all the other guys, he has been there. You have to tip your hat to him.”
Weiner was projected to be the starting right tackle in 1999, but injured his ankle in the first quarter of the first game and missed the final 15 games of that season. Last year, he started the opener while rookie Chris McIntosh got into shape after missing all of training camp in a contract dispute.
On Sunday, Weiner will again start in place of McIntosh, who has been suffering from a neck stinger and didn’t make the trip to Cleveland.
The replacements: Holmgren said he does not expect the replacement officials to affect Sunday’s game.
“The other officials didn’t affect anything, and they just gave these guys their shirts,” Holmgren said. “It’s a non-issue.”
The NFL and its officials are in a contract dispute, and the league has opted to go into this weekend with replacements.
King to start: Although he did not practice all week because of an injured foot, third-year defensive end Lamar King is expected to start in Sunday’s game.
“I don’t think he’s 100 percent, but he’s going to play,” Holmgren said.
King hurt his foot in the preseason finale one week ago. Because he is hobbled, second-year player John Hilliard may see extended playing time.
Quick slants: Wide receiver Bobby Engram, who was signed nine days ago, is expected to play Sunday. Darrell Jackson and Koren Robinson will start at receiver, with Engram and James Williams serving as the top reserves. … Four injured players did not make the trip: McIntosh and cornerbacks Shawn Springs, Willie Williams and Ike Charlton.
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