Of course, Shaun Alexander starting may have been a foregone conclusion once he was able to practice this week. Alexander got pretty banged up in the Cleveland game. Since then, he's missed the past 3 games with a bum knee. Mo Morris should still see some playing time. He's done well in Shaun's absence. In Mo's three starts, the former Oregon Duck has run the ball 62 times for 253 yards, for an average of just over four yards per carry. And he's a threat out of the backfield.
Morris has scored two touchdowns in those three starts. But, before you quickly dismiss Shaun and ask that we start Mo, remember Alexander said Wednesday he hasn't felt this healthy since week 2. Our NFL expert Brock Huard was asked on NWCN Seahawks Fone Zone who would he play/start, Mo or Shaun? Huard replied that he'd like to wait to see the former MVP play without any pain/casts/injuries. Then Brock would answer the question only after seeing Alexander back for a few games relatively pain-free. I'm with Brock, when Shaun is healthy and continues to be healthy, then judge him. One last thing on this quasi-running back controversy (although there really isn't one), since Mo has started, he's become pretty nicked up and has even missed some practice time. I'm not sure he's suited to be a feature back. I think he can do, but for his longevity in this league, I think the best answer is to rotate them, but give Shaun the bulk of the carries. Using Morris should keep both fresh for a playoff run. By the way, you can ask Brock questions on NWCN's Seahawks Fone Zone on Sunday's after the Hawks game. Once the program starts, you can call Brock at 1-800-305-NWCN. In the meantime, let me know what you think about the giving Mo more time in the backfield, starting Shaun, or just featuring Alexander in the backfield.
I guess we should have known Shaun would start. I had just held out hope with as well as Mo has played he would get the start he has earned. I suppose we will find out if Shaun was/is the best choice.
i would say that unless SA does a better job running than he has, he will be pretty much washed up. i don't think there is any team in the league that will pay an older under- acheving running back BIG bucks.if he doesn't perform with what Seattle has paid him for fear of getting injured, i don't see him leaving here and becoming a Superstar somewhere else.
Shaun Alexander has'nt played this big of a game in a while. He has alot to prove in my eyes. If he flops, like I predict he will, then mike should bench him for the rest of the year. Mo Morris has done more then enough to prove to me that he deserves the starting job. The end is near for shaun, hopfully after this year we'll trade him. It would even be worth it to cut him, just to have all that money to go out and get a real back! Count how many times shauna gets tackled in the backfield, you'll probably have to use your toes!
I was pleased to see how hard Shaun was running during the first march for the score. I actually thought he might be back to running hard after seeing what Mo was doing. However, it was short lived because he really didn't do anything until later in the game after Mo torched the Eagle D for a 42 yard TD. It seemed like the only time Shaun did anything was after Mo showed him up. It would be nice if he would play hard on every down. Kind of reminds me of Randy Moss at Minnesota and Oakland. Let's get rid of him and find a real back that will bust their butt for the team. Oh yeah, we already have one. Go Mo!!!!
While some blame can be put on Shaun's soft running style, the offensive line still needs to do their part in creating the holes for any back to run through. Whether it's Shaun, Mo or Weaver, they can't get many yards if the defense is in the backfield once the ball is snapped. The line played better yesterday and Shaun, Mo or Mike Holmgren himself could've hit that hole for the 42-yard TD.