By Todd Dybas
The News Tribune
ATLANTA — Once again, the Seattle Seahawks offensive line was missing three starters in Sunday’s 33-10 victory over the Atlanta Falcons.
Center Max Unger was out because of concussions symptoms. Left tackle Russell Okung (toe) and right tackle Breno Giacomini (knee), who have missed several weeks, were out again Sunday.
That meant more of a chance for rookie Alvin Bailey. Bailey was used at left tackle and at right guard later in the game when starter J.R. Sweezy was shaken up.
Bailey, an undrafted rookie, played his most snaps of the season. He played tackle and guard for Arkansas, which he said helped him against the Falcons.
“We prepare in practice for everything,” Bailey said. “I just make sure I know how to play every position, really.”
When Bailey went to left tackle, left guard James Carpenter came out and Paul McQuistan slid to guard from left tackle. That meant that the Seahawks were playing two rookie tackles and a backup center during their ninth win of the season.
“I think the strength of this game was the three guys playing: Bowie, Alvin and Lem,” Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll said.
Okung, Giacomini and Unger could all come back next week. Okung and Giacomini are scheduled to be at practice Wednesday. Giacomini can play whenever he is ready. Next Sunday’s game against Minnesota will be the first time Okung can be activated after being put on short-term injury reserve following Week 2.
“We have a chance to get some guys back next week, but didn’t miss a beat,” Carroll said. “That’s a big accomplishment.”
No Bryant, no problem
The defense was missing defensive end Red Bryant, who was out with concussions symptoms, but still easily handled the Falcons’ offense.
After being gashed by the run the past two weeks, Seattle held Atlanta to 64 rushing yards. Asked what the remedy was, linebacker K.J. Wright said it didn’t have to do with coaching or effort.
“It’s a stay in your gap thing,” Wright said. “When you get there, go downhill and hit your guy thing. We were just too conservative with going downhill like we were supposed to. Attack the gap, be a real linebacker.”
Browner, McDaniel injured
Cornerback Brandon Browner left the game in the first half with a groin injury and did not return. Defensive tackle Tony McDaniel left in the second half because of a hamstring injury and did not return.
Extra points
Rookie running back Christine Michael had eight carries for 33 yards late in the fourth quarter. … Kicker Steven Hauschka hit four more field goals, including a season-long 53-yarder, making him 22-for-23 on the season. … Cornerback Richard Sherman traded jerseys with Atlanta tight end Tony Gonzalez at the end of the game. “He’s a Hall of Famer and has been a great player in this league for a long time,” Sherman said. “You always respect great players. It’s an honor to play against him.” … Cornerback Walter Thurmond forced a fumble after giving up a big play. Earlier in the game, he broke out his celebratory strut based on pro wrestler Ric Flair.
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