Hawk's Notebook | Different game plans for NFL's top running backs

SAN DIEGO — While Seahawks running back Shaun Alexander got two carries in the Seahawks-Chargers exhibition game Sunday night, the NFL Most Valuable Player last season, Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson, spent the preseason game roaming the sideline in street clothes.

That's the way Tomlinson is expected to spend the rest of the preseason, modeling the latest Chargers team apparel.

San Diego coach Norv Turner said earlier this week he normally wouldn't be comfortable with his starting back out of the lineup, but the strategy worked before he took over as head coach this offseason.

Tomlinson has carried the ball only 14 times in exhibition games the past six years, including none at all in 2005, and last year when he went on to break Alexander's single-season NFL touchdown record with 31.

Alexander set the previous record with 27 in 2005, his MVP season.

Running back Michael Turner, in his fourth year, started in place of Tomlinson, compiling 27 yards on four carries.

Another reason Tomlinson can feel comfortable being a spectator this summer is this: The Chargers return their entire offensive line, something the Pro Bowl running back has not been used to in recent years in San Diego.

For Alexander, getting a few plays in exhibition games has its advantages when it comes to studying film and teammates getting a feel for what defenses will do with him in the backfield.

"I don't think that works best for our team," Alexander said about sitting out. "I think L.T. [Tomlinson] has had a great career and great season and it works for him. Mike [coach Mike Holmgren] and I, we went through what we thought was the best for me and we've been on a good run for the past four years. I can't argue against that. I think what we do is good."

Alexander appeared for eight plays. He carried the ball twice for 4 yards before backup Maurice Morris came on.

Big man rumbles

Rob Sims, the Seahawks starting left guard, couldn't help but smile and laugh when asked to describe his catch of a tipped pass and subsequent run — er, rumble — for 16 yards.

"You should have seen the safety's eyes when he saw Rob Sims running at him," said quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, who threw the pass that the Chargers' Jamal Williams batted and Sims caught. Sims couldn't believe he had the ball, then wanted to run over the tackler.

"I felt so fat," Sims said. "First one ever. I didn't really know what to do so next time I'll be more prepared."

Hill shines

Outside linebacker Leroy Hill, who missed a day of practice last week, didn't miss a beat with his play Sunday. Hill sacked San Diego quarterback Philip Rivers for an 8-yard loss, then helped stuff running back Lorenzo Neal (along with defensive tackle Rocky Bernard) for no gain on a fourth-and-1 play. Hill was out of the game by early in the second quarter after having four solo tackles.

The deal on Dielman

Remember Kris Dielman? He's the Chargers guard the Seahawks targeted in free agency, wined and dined and then watched helplessly as Dielman re-signed with the Chargers for less money.

"I didn't have any regrets once it went down in Seattle the way it did," Dielman said. "The support my teammates gave me when I was up there ... [Chargers fullback] Lorenzo Neal called me and some of my other teammates called me. I know I made the right decision when I made it. When your teammates want you to stay ... that means a lot to me. More than any contract."

Notes

• Starting RT Sean Locklear dealt with knee soreness during the game and will be examined today. That was the extent of the injury report for the Seahawks.

• Seattle used lineup combinations that included members of the second-team defensive line (DEs Brandon Green and Darryl Tapp and DT Russell Davis) with the first-team linebackers and defensive backs, and the third-team line with the second unit of linebackers and defensive backs.

• The second-team defense for Seattle included rookie Will Herring at outside linebacker. Herring led Seattle with six tackles

Freelance reporter Ivan Orozco contributed to this report.