By Scott M. Johnson
Herald Writer
KIRKLAND – Fans of the Seattle Seahawks will finally get their wish this Sunday when Trent Dilfer returns to the starting lineup.
But the San Diego Chargers aren’t too concerned with whether it’s Dilfer or Matt Hasselbeck who lines up at quarterback this weekend.
“They’re decent quarterbacks,” San Diego’s Rodney Harrison told the San Diego Union Tribune earlier this week, “but they’re not John Elway.”
Seattle’s wide receivers had a similarly nonchalance this week – although not quite as blunt.
“We’re comfortable with them both,” Seahawks wide receiver Koren Robinson said with a shrug. “We’ve got a feel for both Trent and Matt.”
Hasselbeck, who has started the past 10 games, did not practice this week and is expected to miss Sunday’s game against the Chargers.
That means Dilfer and his 13-game winning streak will be back in the spotlight. Dilfer faced the Chargers once last season, and threw two touchdown passes in a one-sided Baltimore victory.
“They are a team you have to be alert with on every play,” said Dilfer, who also threw two interceptions in the 24-3 Ravens win. “We played them last year in Baltimore, and I played very well. But I feel asleep on a couple of plays, and they made me pay for it.”
Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren said Friday that Hasselbeck will be the No. 3 quarterback, behind Dilfer and Brock Huard.
Gaylor to start: The Seahawks aren’t the only team that will be missing starters on Sunday. San Diego will start Trevor Gaylor at wide receiver for the second consecutive week in place of Jeff Graham.
Graham’s father died in a car accident late last week, so coach Mike Riley excused him from playing in Sunday’s season finale.
“I think Jeff might be at the game,” San Diego coach Mike Riley said, “but I don’t think he’ll play.”
Gaylor started in last week’s loss to Kansas City, and posted career-highs in both receptions (five) and yards (78). Graham missed that game to go home and be with his family, then attended the funeral earlier this week.
Class act: San Diego linebacker Junior Seau was one of three Chargers players who accompanied Graham to the funeral earlier this week, but he also made sure to stick to his commitments. Seau took part in a conference call with the Seattle media Thursday while driving to the Dayton, Ohio, airport following the ceremony.
“It actually keeps things in perspective with the year that we are experiencing,” Seau said, referring to the Chargers’ current eight-game losing streak. “It has been a roller coaster ride, but for the most part we are just being supportive of a teammate that we love.”
Despite his upstanding nature, Seau can be a real smart aleck as well. When talking about the rumors surrounding Riley’s future, he showed off a quick wit.
“You know, I’m not that smart, guys. I’m really not,” Seau said when asked if he thought the Chargers’ head coach would be back next season. “I’m a linebacker, and I have a captain that is heading the ship and his name is Mike, uh, Mike – what’s his name again? – Riley.”
Quick slants: Seahawks cornerback Shawn Springs did not practice all week, and coach Mike Holmgren said he will be a game-time decision. Rookie Ken Lucas will start in his place, but there is a chance Springs might see time as a reserve despite a hamstring injury… Sunday’s game will mark the second year in a row that Seattle will face a Chargers team in the midst of an eight-game losing streak. Last season, San Diego carried an 0-8 record into Husky Stadium, and eventually lost 11 games before earning their only victory of the season against Kansas City… Seattle could see its playoff possibilities cut in half today if the Baltimore Ravens win at Tampa Bay. A Ravens victory would mean the Seahawks’ only chance at the postseason would be two victories combined with two New York Jets losses.
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