Notebook | Old home week has Hawks' Kerney reminiscing

KIRKLAND — Patrick Kerney was a big part of the Atlanta Falcons organization for eight seasons before coming to Seattle in free agency.

He left a lasting impression on many of his former teammates and coaches and Falcons fans for his work ethic.

Atlanta also left its mark on Kerney. Eight seasons in one place will do that. The Seahawks defensive end won't have the time to hang out at his favorite spots in the trendy Buckhead area of the city. But being back there this weekend will be special for him.

"It's as much a home to me as anywhere since I was a little kid," Kerney said. "It's exciting. We'll be playing in front of a lot of friends and a lot of fans that were great to me for eight years."

That's where the emotions stop. Kerney has a job to do, and that's to get after the quarterback and go full tilt as he always does. Which is why former teammates like Falcons linebacker Keith Brooking respect the Pro Bowler who leads the NFL in sacks with 14 ½.

"That guy, when you draw up an NFL football player professional, Patrick Kerney exemplifies that to a T," Brooking said.

"He is a true pro in every sense of the word. He does everything in his power to maximize the ability that's been given to him and he's an asset to an organization."

Brooking said he knew when the Falcons didn't re-sign Kerney, with whom he played for all of Kerney's time in Atlanta, they were losing a very special player and person. Brooking feels Kerney has a shot at winning NFL Defensive Player of the Year.

"Certainly we weren't able to accomplish what I wanted to for the city of Atlanta in eight years," Kerney said.

"Nonetheless, I like to think I gave it my all and they respect that. I think there's still a good relationship."

Playing to win

Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren said he is going to have his team "play the game" Sunday, which is to say that he challenged the players to come out and play hard to win despite the fact that they are in the playoffs and their position is set.

Injuries might determine how much someone plays, or Holmgren could try his approach from the 2005 regular season finale at Green Bay and keep some guys fresh by taking out starters in the second half.

"I thought a lot about it. I'm not sure there's a right way to do it," Holmgren said. "I believe in momentum going into the playoffs. I do believe in that. At the same time, everyone hold their breath that no one gets hurt."

If the Seahawks take a big lead Sunday, as they did in the first half last week, Holmgren figures to remove quarterback Matt Hasselbeck from the game.

Injury update

Defensive tackle Rocky Bernard (groin injury) and left tackle Walter Jones (shoulder) will not practice this week, Holmgren said. It's uncertain how much they will play in the game.

Center Chris Spencer has a wrap over his right thumb but practiced Wednesday and is expected to play.

Cornerback Josh Wilson (quadriceps) and wide receiver D.J. Hackett (ankle) practiced and figure to play this week.

Safety Mike Green missed practice with a sore knee and wide receiver Deion Branch was limited with a calf problem.

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