Notebook | Hawks' defense resurges

KIRKLAND — Who lit a fire under the Seahawks' run defense?

Was it coach Mike Holmgren or defensive coordinator John Marshall? Or defensive captains Lofa Tatupu and Deon Grant? Or Arizona Cardinals running back Edgerrin James, who systematically grinded his way to 128 yards on the ground in Week 2?

Something happened between that game and Sunday's against Cincinnati, because the Seahawks swarmed through gaps in the Bengals' offensive line like ants at a picnic. Running back Rudi Johnson probably saw Seattle's Lofa Tatupu, Craig Terrill, Julian Peterson and Brian Russell in his nightmares.

For all the big numbers the Bengals logged in passing offense, they could never effectively run the ball until the fourth quarter, when Johnson's backup, Kenny Watson, gained 47 of the Bengals' 84 rushing yards in the game.

"Our run defense was very good [Sunday]," coach Mike Holmgren said. "They got us at the end there just a little bit on a couple of plays, but all in all I thought we gang-tackled pretty well. We moved the line of scrimmage pretty good, and so I was very much encouraged by that."

The Seahawks charted eight tackles for loss. They never had that many in any regular-season game in 2005 or 2006. Three of the lost-yardage plays happened on the Bengals' first drive of the game, setting the tone for a standout performance.

Seattle held the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to 90 rushing yards in Week 1 without any tackles for loss. But then came the reality check from James and the Cardinals, who wore down the Seahawks' front seven in Week 2.

The Seahawks knocked Tampa Bay's Carnell "Cadillac" Williams and the Bengals' Johnson out of the game and forced those teams to go with backups. They'll have to be that physical against San Francisco's Frank Gore this Sunday, or possibly be trampled again by the third-year pro who got a Pro Bowl nod on the strength of two big games against Seattle last season.

"Last year Gore just tattooed us," Holmgren said. "Just ran all over the place."

Gore ran wild for 212 yards on Nov. 19 at Monster Park against the Seahawks. He followed that up with 144 yards on Dec. 14 at Qwest Field. Not surprisingly, San Francisco won both games.

Things might be different this time, though. The 49ers' first three opponents this season have held Gore under 100 yards each game — including just 39 for him at Pittsburgh on Sunday. Gore is clearly a marked man.

And Gore is playing hurt; he broke his right hand during training camp and missed most of the exhibition season.

Notes

• QB Matt Hasselbeck was asked whether he'd like a little more national recognition for his hot start to the season.

"I think it's better that we just chill out here [in Seattle] in the witness protection program," he said. "We're good. Let them talk about all the East Coast teams and their cool throwback uniforms."

• Holmgren was asked about the fans' booing of Alexander during the game. He said he thought the boos were directed at him for a few play calls. He also thought the Seahawks didn't block for the running game well.

• RB Maurice Morris is expected back from a hip injury this week after missing two games, as is WR Ben Obomanu, whose bad hamstring has kept him out of all three games.

• 49ers TE Vernon Davis could miss the next two games with a sprained ligament in his right knee, The Associated Press reported Monday.

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