By SCOTT M. JOHNSON
Herald Writer
KIRKLAND — After a week to get away from football, rest ailing bodies and re-focus for the final five games, the Seattle Seahawks were back at practice Monday.
In accordance with an earlier promise of a week off should the Seahawks win two consecutive games, coach Mike Holmgren gave the team a vacation last week heading into Sunday’s bye. Some players stuck around, while many of the younger Seahawks skipped town.
"The week off just helped us in terms of giving our legs a rest. We haven’t had a break since training camp," said rookie wideout Darrell Jackson, who spent the weekend in Florida attending a sister’s wedding.
"We’ve got that edge back, we’re on a two-game winning streak, so our confidence is really riding high," Jackson said. "Now we’ve just got to keep it together and try to go on a little run."
The Seahawks typically watch film and run sprints on the Monday after games. This week, the Monday workout also included a 90-minute morning practice during what Holmgren referred to as a "bonus day."
Like any other week during the season, the players will have today off before returning to practice Wednesday. They will be back on the playing field Sunday afternoon, when the Seahawks host the Denver Broncos at Husky Stadium.
It’s not the first time Holmgren has given his players a week off heading into a bye. The only other time he did it, his Green Bay Packers came back to hand New England a 28-10 defeat in 1997.
Overall, Holmgren-coached teams are 3-5 after bye weeks, including a loss to San Diego last season. The Seahawks are 3-7 all-time in games played after the bye.
All but one player attended Monday’s practice, and cornerback Willie Williams (neck stinger), wide receiver Sean Dawkins (quadricep) and linebacker Isaiah Kacyvenski (hamstring) appear recovered from injuries suffered before the bye week. The only missing Seahawk from Monday’s practice was special teamer Fabien Bownes, who was excused for personal reasons.
The Broncos, meanwhile, are still evaluating running back Terrell Davis to see if he will be able to play Sunday. Davis has missed six games this season because of a lower leg injury.
Alexander, one of two first-round picks for the Seahawks in the April draft, was the guest of honor at the 65th annual "Iron Bowl" in Tuscaloosa, Ala. last weekend. Alexander was one of many former University of Alabama stars named to the Crimson Tide’s All-Century team before Saturday’s game against rival Auburn. Other Alabama alumni in attendance were Kenny Stabler, Joe Namath and Ozzie Newsome.
Alexander, an All-American last season, got to bring out the game ball before the opening kickoff.
"People were asking me if I could come back for just one more game, and I was like, ‘I’m a professional now,’" Alexander said. "I wouldn’t even want to do that. I like where I am."
Too bad for ‘Bama fans, who could have used him. The Tide lost 9-0.
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