KIRKLAND – The Seattle Seahawks started to look a little bit more like a football team on Tuesday, when the pads came on and the volume went up.
During their first practice in full pads since the end of the 2006 season, the Seahawks weren’t too shy about banging against each other.
“It’ll knock the rust off,” middle linebacker Lofa Tatupu said. “Everybody looked pretty good out there. Got some banging going. Another good practice under our belt.”
The Seahawks typically ease into the real hitting, so Days 1 and 2 of training camp went without pads. By Tuesday’s third day, it was time to let loose.
“It felt great,” said backup linebacker Lance Laury, who made one of the most eye-opening hits when he knocked fullback David Kirtman off his feet. “Everybody was anxious to put the pads on.
“It’s been a long time coming, since January. The linebackers are always anxious to put the pads on, so we’ve kind of looked forward to this day.”
The pads went back in the lockers for the afternoon practice, which featured shells and less contact. All in all, coach Mike Holmgren seemed happy with what he saw.
“It was good,” he said. “One thing, we got through it without getting too banged up. The enthusiasm was good, and I think there was enough on both sides of the ball to feel good about it.”
On the comeback trail: After losing his starting spot and undergoing offseason shoulder surgery, Seahawks safety Michael Boulware knows he has his work cut out for him.
“I’m definitely playing catch-up, physically and because they’re putting in new plays,” he said after Monday’s morning session, his third practice of the summer because he sat out all the minicamps. “I’m definitely going to have to work a lot harder than normal.
“But I think at the end of the day, I’m going to be ready,” he said.
Boulware is working behind projected starters Deon Grant and Brian Russell, who were brought in via free agency in March. He’s also battling veterans Jordan Babineaux and Mike Green for one of four roster spots.
Boulware, who was benched because of his propensity to give up big plays, said his biggest obstacle is confidence.
“I definitely have to, when I make a mistake, let it go,” he said. “I’m not going to play perfect. And when I’m not perfect, I can’t beat myself up for it.”
Hackett addition: Wide receiver D.J. Hackett left a few minutes into Tuesday’s morning practice because his wife was expecting a baby.
Nate Burleson had his best practice of the camp in Hackett’s absence, making several nice receptions while playing split end with the No. 1 offense.
Hackett has the inside track on the starting job at split end, but Holmgren said that Burleson has a chance to beat him out.
Defense shines again: Burleson wasn’t the only Seahawks player to have a big day, as the defense continued to play well in the passing game.
Cornerback Pete Hunter, safety Deon Grant and cornerback Kelly Jennings all made nice pass breakups in the morning practice, while Hunter and linebacker Lofa Tatupu added interceptions in the afternoon.
Tight end Will Heller also turned in a solid performance, proving that he’s not going to let veteran Marcus Pollard win the starting spot without a fight.
Holmgren heading out? Holmgren said that he hopes to attend the funeral for former San Francisco 49ers coach Bill Walsh, who passed away Monday at the age of 75.
As of Tuesday morning, Holmgren was not sure when the funeral would occur, but said he expected to hear from Walsh’s family.
Holmgren spent six years as a 49ers assistant, the first three under Walsh.
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