Seahawk defense loses shutout but gains redemption

Published 9:00 pm Sunday, November 30, 2003

SEATTLE – After last week’s baffling breakdown in Baltimore, the members of the Seattle Seahawks’ defensive unit were looking for redemption against Cleveland on Sunday.

They found it in a 33-7 victory over the Browns.

Led by three new starters – linebacker Orlando Huff, defensive end Lamar King and cornerback Ken Lucas – Seattle turned in one of its most impressive defensive efforts of the season.

“The defense’s pride was wounded. Losing like that is the worst,” Seattle coach Mike Holmgren said in reference to last Sunday’s 44-41 overtime loss to Baltimore in which Seattle blew a 17-point fourth-quarter lead. “There is a lot of pride on that side of the ball and they were a little bit angry all week.”

Seattle’s defense, particularly the secondary, made a point of showing the Baltimore game was an anomaly.

After allowing Baltimore’s third-string quarterback, Anthony Wright, to throw four touchdown passes, the Seahawks’ defense surrendered just 214 total yards against Cleveland.

Lucas started at the beginning of the season, but became the odd man out when Shawn Springs returned from a broken shoulder blade on Oct. 12. Earlier in the week, Holmgren told Lucas he would start in place of Springs, and the third-year player responded by leading the team Sunday with three pass deflections. Lucas also intercepted a pass at the Seahawks’ 2-yard line early in the fourth quarter.

“Everybody in the secondary looks at each other like brothers,” Lucas said. “I got the call this week and Shawn supported me just like I support him when he starts.

“I wanted to go out and show I deserve to be out there,” added Lucas, who made six solo tackles and had one assist.

Holmgren said he thinks Springs, Lucas and rookie cornerback Marcus Trufant are all quality players and all three will see time each game.

“I’ve always said we have three starting cornerbacks,” Holmgren said. “Next week I could start Shawn. But the good thing about those guys is that they put the team first. They both want to play, but there isn’t much grousing if they don’t start.”

Despite not starting, Springs made his impact felt on the field with a team-leading nine solo tackles and an assist. He also had a sack and was on the field for most third-down situations, during which the Browns converted just two of 10 opportunities.

Huff had a bit less warning about his starting role.

With Randall Godfrey on the inactive list with a sore chest, Huff was greeted with the news of his temporary promotion when he walked into the stadium.

“I always treat myself like I’m a starter so I’m mentally right when called upon,” said Huff, who finished with a tackle and an assist.

It’s been a struggle for King since Seattle made him its first-round draft pick in 1999. He has been chided by fans for his lack of sacks and King didn’t do much to dissuade criticism early on this season. He spent the first half of the year on the physically-unable-to-perform list recovering from knee surgery and has struggled to find playing time since.

When Brandon Mitchell strained a calf in Baltimore, Holmgren opted to go with King against Cleveland rather than opening-day starter Antonio Cochran.

King in turn helped the defensive line hold the Browns to 47 yards rushing on 16 carries.

Seattle strong safety Reggie Tongue, who had a sack and two forced fumbles to go along with eight tackles, said he felt the defense atoned for last week.

“(The Baltimore loss) definitely hurt,” Tongue said. “But it’s a long season and you’re going to have games like that.

“But every week you just have to play your heart out like we did today. You fight as hard as you can, and hopefully the football gods will smile on you.”