The ultimate compliment

  • Scott M. Johnson / Herald Writer
  • Friday, October 12, 2001 9:00pm
  • Sports

By Scott M. Johnson

Herald Writer

KIRKLAND – A career high in rushing yards and an award for AFC player of the week were nice. But now Shaun Alexander has really hit the big time.

Alexander’s latest accolade came this week at Denver Broncos practice, where Terrell Davis was emulating him on the scout team.

Davis has been out of action since the season opener due to a knee injury, but he’s back at practice this week to help the Broncos prepare for the Seattle Seahawks.

“That’s funny, isn’t it?” Alexander said. “He probably did real well. They’re probably ready for me and everything.”

Alexander’s first game as the team’s feature back has already produced enough acclaim, as he gained 174 yards on 31 carries with two touchdowns. Now Alexander is in the predicament of having to provide an encore.

“I’m going to try,” he said. “That would be a good goal. My goals for every game are very high. I’m going to try and do some things better than I did last week, both running and catching.”

Alexander is starting while Ricky Watters recovers from a shoulder injury. The first-round pick was used in a reserve role all of last season, while an injury to Davis allowed Denver’s Mike Anderson – a sixth-round pick – to rush for 1,487 yards.

Anderson will start this week while Davis continues to recover. Although Davis took part in practices, he won’t play Sunday.

Still going …: John Randle, the Seahawks’ 33-year-old defensive tackle, ranks second on the team with 3 1/2 sacks. He has been in on a sack in all four games this season.

So Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren chuckled to himself earlier this week when recalling an offseason discussion he had with the team’s beat reporters. At the time, Holmgren was defending the offseason signing of Randle against criticism that the former Minnesota Viking was too old.

“Of course I would never say I told you so to any of you,” Holmgren said earlier this week, “but I smile when I think of John Randle as over the hill. It’s just one of those things that tickles me, because he is playing very, very well.”

No incentive: Last season, Holmgren offered his team a deal in the weeks leading up to the bye. After two consecutive victories, Holmgren gave the players the entire bye week off.

That probably won’t happen this year.

“I’m not sure I can do that because of how young we are,” said Holmgren, whose team has no game next weekend. “I’ve only done it that way twice: last year and one time in Green Bay. We’ll give them a long weekend and practice during the week. I’m kind of leaning toward that.”

Security reminder: The Seahawks will continue to ban bags larger than a purse or fanny pack at Husky Stadium for Sunday’s game. Fans trying to bring in coolers or large bags will be asked to return them to their vehicles.

Quick slants: Return man Charlie Rogers has not practiced this week and is listed as questionable due to a toe injury. If he can’t play, one of the Seahawks receivers would probably assume return duties. Darrell Jackson is listed as the backup punt returner, while James Williams could return kickoffs. Bobby Engram might also figure into the mix. … Broncos coach Mike Shanahan owns a 4-1 record against Holmgren, including a victory over Holmgren’s Green Bay Packers in Super Bowl XXXII. … Sunday’s game will mark a reunion for Holmgren and Denver defensive coordinator Ray Rhodes. Rhodes served as Holmgren’s defensive coordinator with the Green Bay Packers in 1992 and ‘93. … All 3,000 of the free tickets for civil servants have been distributed. The only tickets available on game day will be the 7,600 remaining for purchase.

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