KIRKLAND – Holding violations have Matt Hasselbeck concerned heading into this weekend’s game against the St. Louis Rams, and it has nothing to do with opposing defensive backs.
While watching film this week, the Seattle Seahawks’ quarterback noticed a familiar pattern of St. Louis defensive linemen grabbing opposing linemen to free up teammates. It’s a tactic Hasselbeck said the Rams used, most notably against right tackle Floyd “Pork Chop” Womack, in an October meeting with the Seahawks last season.
“(Referees) claim they are looking for it, and I hope they do because last year it wasn’t really fair what they were doing to Pork Chop,” Hasselbeck said. “They were doing it last year, and it just wasn’t fair.”
St. Louis had two sacks, two interceptions and limited Seattle to 50 rushing yards in that game. Hasselbeck said Wednesday that the Rams cut down on those methods in a second 2002 meeting with Seattle, but that St. Louis defensive linemen were again grabbing and holding in last Sunday’s overtime win over the San Francisco 49ers.
“One guy comes and just tackles the right tackle, and then the guy that he is supposed to block just runs free,” Hasselbeck said. “The league looked at it and said, ‘OK, that’s illegal. That’s not fair. And we’re going to call that.’ That’s one example.
“They play a crafty defense. They run a lot of games with their defensive line.”
Tardy Robinson is apologetic: Wide receiver Koren Robinson said Wednesday that he regrets being late to a Saturday team meeting, which led to a benching in the win over Arizona.
Robinson has been had a history of being late to team meetings throughout his three-year career.
“I think I’m getting there earlier than I have been, but when I get there, it’s too late,” he said. “I’m just putting it behind me and I’m moving forward. It won’t happen again.”
Womack hurting: Even if the Rams do use their grabbing tactics on Sunday, Womack might not be around to witness them.
A bout with turf toe has Womack listed as questionable on the injury report, meaning he has a 50-50 chance of playing.
If Womack can’t play, Matt Hill would probably start at right tackle. His task would be to slow down Rams defensive end Leonard Little, whose 28.5 sacks since 2001 trail only Michael Strahan (34.5) and Simeon Rice (29.5).
“It’s going to be a good challenge for me,” Hill said. “He’s a good player, and I just have to step up and rise to the occasion.”
Hill is technically the third-string right tackle, as starter Chris Terry is two games into a four-game suspension.
“I think he’ll rise to the occasion,” offensive line coach Tom Lovat said of Hill. “Sometimes those guys get their first start, and they never relinquish the position.”
Injury update: In addition to Womack, the Seahawks had five players miss practice Wednesday. Linebacker Chad Brown took a routine day off to rest a foot that underwent offseason surgery. Linebacker Anthony Simmons was out with a sore toe, but is probable to play in Sunday’s game.
Defensive tackle Norman Hand (turf toe) and linebacker Tracy White (sprained ankle) are questionable, while cornerback Shawn Springs is expected to miss about five more games with a fractured bone in his shoulder.
Hamlin honored: Rookie free safety Ken Hamlin was named the NFC’s defensive player of the week following a game in which he had eight tackles, an interception and a forced fumble.
“He has been a very big part of a lot of the (10) turnovers that have taken place in the games,” coach Mike Holmgren said. “He’s off to a great start.”
Hamlin is the second Seattle defender to earn the award in the past five regular-season games, dating back to last season. Cornerback Ken Lucas was the top defensive player in Week 15 last season.
Quick slants: Linebacker Isaiah Kacyvenski, who has been out a month due to a sprained ankle, practiced Wednesday. “I’ve been itching to get back out there,” he said. … At least one member of the Rams’ public relations staff knows what to expect this week. Assistant PR director Artis Twyman began his third season with the Seahawks earlier this month before a promotion landed him in St. Louis six days ago.
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