KIRKLAND – Holmgren’s Heroes aren’t feeling so super these days.
The numerous branches that split from Mike Holmgren’s coaching tree are looking a little more brittle than they have in the past. NFL head coaches who once worked for him are struggling for the most part, with a combined record of 20-25.
Philadelphia’s Andy Reid, at 6-3, is the only one who currently holds a winning record.
Just two years ago, the NFL playoffs included six teams coached by former Holmgren assistants.
Since then, two Holmgren disciples have been fired while a third, Jon Gruden, changed teams on his own volition. Tampa Bay’s Gruden is one of five former Holmgren assistants still serving as head coaches, all of whom are in the NFC.
Holmgren, who has a better record than all but Reid this season, will face his third ex-assistant of the season Sunday, when Steve Mariucci of the Detroit Lions is in town. Mariucci faced Holmgren five times while coaching the San Francisco 49ers, including two playoff games, and held a 2-3 record against his former boss.
Overall, Holmgren’s record against former assistants is 9-9 in regular season games, 1-1 in playoff games. He is 7-3 at home against teams coached by his former assistants.
Mariucci still has a photograph in his office of his days as a Holmgren assistant in Green Bay. Many of the assistants in that photo got together last year for an ESPN show entitled “Holmgren’s Heroes,” during which Holmgren, Gruden, Mariucci, Reid, Chicago’s Dick Jauron, Green Bay’s Mike Sherman and ex-Lions coach Marty Mornhinweg discussed the old days. Current Seahawks defensive coordinator Ray Rhodes, also an ex-assistant in Green Bay, was not at the taping. He has faced Holmgren three times and has a 1-2 record.
Panting Tongue: No one was looking forward to heading home Friday afternoon more than Reggie Tongue.
The Seahawks’ starting strong safety had put in more than his share of work during the practice week, picking up the load while free safeties Damien Robinson and Ken Hamlin rested injuries.
“I’m tired as hell, man. I am worn out,” Tongue said after Friday’s practice. “I can’t wait to go home and sleep for about two days.
“But that’s part of the deal. Guys go down, and you have to fill in.”
Injuries to Robinson and Hamlin left Tongue, cornerback Kris Richard and practice squad player Walter Bernard to handle all the safety work on both the first and scout teams this week. Richard could see action there Sunday against the Lions.
Robinson is out with a shoulder injury, while Hamlin is nursing minor injuries to his left foot and right knee.
Robinson’s current injury is to his left shoulder, not the one he separated at training camp, and his playing status for Sunday is doubtful. Hamlin did not practice all week, yet Holmgren expects him to play Sunday.
“Now Damien, there’s a chance I could have him for a few snaps, too,” Holmgren said. “But Hamlin’s in better shape.”
All of the other Seahawks are expected to be available Sunday, including players who missed practice time this week like Matt Hasselbeck, Shaun Alexander, Chad Brown and Chike Okeafor.
Cougar still getting his kicks: Jason Hanson, a former Washington State kicker, continues to succeed with the Lions at the age of 33.
In fact, Hanson appears to be playing better than ever. Now in his 12th NFL season, all with Detroit, Hanson has made good on all 13 of his field-goal attempts this year.
“Thank God for Jason Hanson,” said Mariucci, whose team beat Chicago 12-9 last week on four Hanson field goals. ” … He’s so accurate and consistent that I can’t even believe it. He’s much better than our JUGS gun.”
Hanson is the Lions’ all-time scoring leader and has been to two Pro Bowls. In a league where there are very few sure things, the Detroit kicker has been about as close as one can get.
“I definitely haven’t arrived,” Hanson said. “And each week I’m still trying to make sure I’m kicking the ball like I should. I think that’s one of the keys, just trying to be perfect.”
The Spokane native will get to play in front of about 40 or 50 friends and family on Sunday, which will mark only the second time in his NFL career that Hanson has played in Seattle.
Rain, rain go away: Through 13 regular-season games at Seahawks Stadium, the infamous Seattle rain has stayed away.
Rain is in the forecast this Sunday, meaning the streak could be in jeopardy.
“I’ve always felt the weather is the great equalizer, usually,” Mariucci said. “Whoever can catch a wet ball and stay up on wet grass will win.”
The FieldTurf surface is designed to hold up in rain, so don’t expect any mud-slinging even if the conditions are wet.
Quick slants: Defensive tackle Norman Hand has officially been placed on injured reserve, leaving the Seahawks with 52 players on their roster. Another move will be made at some point, but nothing is imminent before Sunday’s game. … The Lions boast one of the biggest defensive tackle combinations in football. Starters Dan “Big Daddy” Wilkinson and Shaun Rogers are listed at a combined 710 pounds but probably weigh a few bratwursts more than that. … The intersection of 4th Avenue South and Royal Brougham Way will be closed for construction at 6 p.m. Sunday, so the Seahawks are asking their fans to use alternate departure routes after the game.
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