Seahawks
Notebook: Tubbs gets sack for mom

By Greg Bishop
Seattle Times staff reporter

Marcus Tubbs

E-mail this article Print this article Search archive Most read articles Most e-mailed articles

GREEN BAY, Wis. — Mike Holmgren wasn't going to risk Marcus Tubbs in a preseason game last night.

His first-round draft pick spent the beginning of training camp at home, unsigned, tending to his ailing mother. But when Tubbs approached Holmgren before the game last night, he told the Seahawks coach it might be the last time his mother gets to see him play.

So Holmgren turned to defensive coordinator Ray Rhodes before the game and said, "Put him in, and let's just pray nothing happens to him."

Nothing bad, at least. Because on Tubbs' first NFL play from scrimmage, with only one full practice under his belt, he blew by Pro Bowl Packers guard Marco Rivera and sacked quarterback Brett Favre.

"Pretty good, huh?" Holmgren surmised afterward.

Tubbs won't talk about his family situation in specifics. He did say, with a laugh, not to expect plays like that every time he takes the field. And he took solace in knowing he could dedicate his first NFL sack — on his first NFL play — to someone special.

"It felt real good because I know my parents are watching," Tubbs said. "I put smiles on their faces after that."

Stevens shines

This was the August they've all been waiting for, the training camp when Jerramy Stevens could stay healthy and shed the label of disappointment from his first two seasons in the NFL.
 
The Seahawks' first-round pick in 2002 hasn't been hurt this training camp. And he caught three passes last night — half the number he caught last season — for 32 yards. He caught two passes on the Seahawks' first touchdown drive for a 7-3 lead they would later turn into a 21-3 final.

The former Washington Husky also started, although last year's starter, Itula Mili, received about the same amount of playing time.

"We knew he'd be good again if he's healthy and can get through camp without injury," Holmgren said. "He is a good football player. He'll have some confidence."

Young guns

Holmgren was pleased with just about everything, but particularly the way his "young guys flew around out there" on defense. And Tubbs wasn't the only rookie defensive linemen to make an impact.

Rookie defensive end Omar Nazel made his opening argument for a spot on the opening-day roster.

He recorded four tackles, a sack, two pass deflections off Tim Couch passes and a forced fumble, also at Couch's expense.

Packers fans booed Couch at the end of the first quarter and later in the second half. After his second deflection, Nazel cupped his ear as if to say, "Continue, please."

Injury report

Knock on wood, Seahawks fans, because at least through the first exhibition, no projected regular-season starters left with an injury. Only defensive tackle Rocky Bernard (shoulder) and guard Jerry Wunsch (ankle) left the game.

At least 13 players did not make the trip to Green Bay because of various injuries and ailments. Center Robbie Tobeck also did not play, along with backup linebacker D.D. Lewis.

Holmgren said he expects tight end Ryan Hannam to return to practice tomorrow (the Seahawks have today off), along with "a bunch of other guys." He said defensive end Grant Wistrom probably won't be back until the San Diego exhibition later this month, and that from this game, he was most concerned with Wunsch.

Notes

• With Tobeck watching, Steve Hutchinson not coming and Walter Jones conducting his annual vacation as he waits for a contract, the Seahawks patched together a first-team offensive line last night. Wunsch started at left guard, Floyd "Pork Chop" Womack started at left tackle and Dennis Norman earned the "Iron Man" award for playing an entire exhibition at center.

• Coaches wondered whether punter Donnie Jones, a seventh-round draft pick this spring, was consistent enough for an entire NFL season. Last night, he dropped three punts inside the 20-yard line.

• Solving middle-linebacker and cornerback depth were two things to keep an eye on. LB Orlando Huff started in the middle, while Solomon Bates and rookie Niko Koutouvides came on the field in that order. Bobby Taylor and Brad Franklin were the second-string cornerbacks behind starters Marcus Trufant and Ken Lucas. Every corner that made the trip saw action.

• When WR Jerheme Urban caught a second-quarter touchdown pass from QB Seneca Wallace, it was the receiver's first scoring reception and the quarterback's first scoring pass in the NFL.

"I'm happy for (Seneca), and I'm happy for Jerheme," first-string QB Matt Hasselbeck said.