Womack the man who will replace Hutch

KIRKLAND — Offensive linemen don't typically get this kind of attention.

But then not every offensive lineman is called upon to replace a multi-year Pro Bowl player and All-Pro who is arguably the best guard to put on a Seahawks uniform.

That is what's being asked of Floyd "Pork Chop" Womack, a jolly big man with five years of NFL experience behind him, as he begins the process of taking over at left guard for the departed Steve Hutchinson.

"Very much weird," Womack said during what seemed like the 10th interview he has conducted over the past few days, "because I don't care for attention. I just want to go out there and do my job, and that's it. But hey, it's just like that."

The Seahawks feel like they have their man in Womack, who has been a starter before, albeit never at left guard. They have an experienced and versatile lineman who fits the type of athlete they want on the line. They have a trusted veteran who has filled big shoes before, having opened the 2002 season at left tackle in place of Walter Jones.

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	Will Floyd Womack be able to replace Steve Hutchinson at left guard? For sure Not a chance Doesn't matter - the Hawks line is solid View Results

Womack had always been the Seahawks' security blanket, someone they could turn to whenever a starter was injured. Womack has filled in at right tackle and right guard as well.

Last season was supposed to be his year to finally become a full-time starter. Womack was set to be in the opening lineup at right tackle until he partially tore his left triceps in an exhibition game at Kansas City.

That paved the way for Sean Locklear to have a breakout season as the right tackle, and Womack was relegated to a reserve role once he got healthy.

Hutchinson wasn't supposed to get away, but the Minnesota Vikings pried him from Seattle with a big contract. The Seahawks decided on Womack almost right away.

"He will be a good left guard for us," coach Mike Holmgren said. "Hutch was a great left guard, and Chop might be a great left guard. But if he stays healthy, I don't worry about that at all."

Staying injury-free will be the key for Womack.

"The biggest deal is: Can I take up his slack or can I fill in the spot where he just left?" Womack said. "But I feel confidence in myself, and the rest of the team feels confident in me, so we're fine."

Teammates and coaches are lining up in support of Womack, who has 22 starts in 53 career games.

"Obviously it's a big loss losing Steve Hutchinson; but, like we have said, the strength of our team is our offensive line," quarterback Matt Hasselbeck said. "We have great depth, and I don't think anyone is too worried about it."

The Seahawks do have some options if Womack doesn't work out. They have free-agent acquisition Tom Ashworth, a veteran who can step in and play several positions. They have fourth-round draft pick Rob Sims, though he'll probably spend next season learning from the veterans. They have the injury-prone Wayne Hunter, who for the moment still has a place on the team and can play guard. Or they can try Chris Spencer or starting right guard Chris Gray at left guard and put Womack at the position the coaches have often worked him, right guard.

"He would have started for most teams last year," Hasselbeck said. "He is definitely qualified and good enough to do the job."

Running back Shaun Alexander said people will start to question Womack's ability if Alexander isn't breaking long runs the way he did with Hutchinson at left guard. So it will take everyone on offense to relieve that burden of pressure.

"We've got to get him in a comfort zone, where it's like we are going to play hard and your best is going to be good enough," Alexander said.

Womack knows the routine. He has worked with this group before.

"We've always said we have six starting offensive linemen," center Robbie Tobeck said. "I'm enjoying just watching him and seeing how much he's really embracing it."

José Miguel Romero: 206-464-2409 or jromero@seattletimes.com