elaments

CHENEY, Wash. -- Here are five observations on the Seattle Seahawks, based on their preseason game Aug. 12 and training camp practice Aug. 14:

1.
The Seahawks don't plan to change their running offense despite losing Pro Bowl left guard Steve Hutchinson. Their favorite running play, "blast," remains a staple despite the change at left guard. Blast is a running play to the weak side of the defense that quarterback Matt Hasselbeck calls in an audible. The play's success has been attributed to Shaun Alexander's elusiveness, along with the power blocking of Hutchinson and Walter Jones.

"We aren't the only team that runs it; everybody runs it," Hasselbeck said. "I think we are more physical running it. Plus, Shaun doesn't always hit the hole he's supposed to hit, anyways."

The presence of Jones, the game's best left tackle, has made the loss of Hutchinson easier to withstand. Jones can dominate a defensive end or a pass rusher. He's smart and knows the game. Because they played so long together, Jones and Hutchinson didn't need to communicate verbally for each to know what the other was going to do on every blocking challenge. It's a shame they were broken up.

The plan is for Floyd "Pork Chop" Womack to be the starting left guard, but he can't shake injuries. The Seahawks brought Tom Ashworth over from New England, but he's more of a tackle. That leaves Chris Spencer and fourth-round choice Rob Sims as candidates. Spencer didn't look bad in the preseason opener against the Cowboys, but he moved back to center this week because of Robbie Tobeck's elbow surgery. Regardless, the Seahawks should be all right along the offensive line.

2.
Nate Burleson is going to be a great acquisition for the Seahawks. He's still adjusting to the new offense and how he's supposed to make his route adjustments depending on the coverages, but he has the big-play ability and speed to be a big asset. Plus, Peter Warrick should be more involved, giving Hasselbeck two dependable receivers -- Warrick and Bobby Engram -- who can work the slots.

Nate Burleson
Wide receiver
Seattle Seahawks

Profile
2005 SEASON STATISTICS
Rec Yds Avg Long TD
30 328 10.9 20 1

Burleson has the skills and experience to be a flanker in the West Coast offense, but his main role will be split end once Darrell Jackson (offseason knee surgery) gets back on the field next week. Burleson worked well with Daunte Culpepper, who loved to throw the ball deep.

Burleson says Hasselbeck throws a more catchable ball, which should enable him to make plays after the catch. Still, it's going to be important for Jackson to come back from his knee injury and be effective. Jackson is still the best route runner in this offense. It's a little bit of a concern that his knee is still bothering him.

3.
The defense looks so much faster than last year. Lofa Tatupu and LeRoy Hill re-energized the defense last season as rookies. Tatupu was a leader beyond his years. He made players on defense more accountable for study in the tape room. Plus, he put them in good positions with his calls on the field. Add former Pro Bowl linebacker Julian Peterson to the mix, and suddenly the Seahawks have one of the best linebacking corps in the conference.

Peterson was a great addition. He's back to where he was two years ago before tearing his Achilles tendon. He has the speed to cover any tight end and has the ability to rush quarterbacks from a three-point stance on passing downs. Defensive coordinator John Marshall hasn't tipped off how he will use Peterson, but there is no doubt he will attack a lot with Peterson, who can blitz, cover and chase down ball carriers from any place on the field.

4.
First-round choice Kelly Jennings got a tough debut out of the way against the Cowboys, and that should help him. Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo completed three consecutive passes on Jennings in the preseason opener. That's what happens to rookie cornerbacks, but the experience will help Jennings figure out what he must do to improve his technique in man and zone situations.

The passes reached the Dallas receivers before Jennings was ready. Coaches will work with him and make him improve, but it probably means the Seahawks will enter the season with Marcus Trufant and Kelly Herndon as the starters. Trufant should have his best season. He's not coming off shoulder surgery, like he did the previous two offseasons. He looks extra quick and strong. He could be a Pro Bowl candidate if all works well.

5.
Shaun Alexander seems to be handling his celebrity status quite well. He's the reigning MVP. He wrote a book. He's doing commercials. He's on the cover of the new John Madden video game. Though he would like to gain 2,000 yards and improve on his NFL touchdowns record, Alexander seems to be focused on one thing: winning the Super Bowl.

One of the advantages of being a Super Bowl team in the Northwest corner of the country is that the nation ignores you. Except for Alexander, there aren't a lot of endorsements and opportunities cluttering up the team's time. Alexander has been the busiest, which is understandable. He's the MVP. But he seems to be handling it well. Head coach Mike Holmgren is pleased by how well he's handled it, along with how hard he's worked this offseason.

"Shaun made great strides last year," Holmgren said. "I want him to improve blocking for the quarterback because I don't want to take him out on passing downs. He had a phenomenal season last year. To say he can do that again is a pretty tall order. In his career, he's been a consistent 1,300-, 1,400-, 1,500-yard runner. I want him to be that kind of player again."

Alexander will be 29 at the end of the month, but he's in his prime and should have a great season.

John Clayton is a senior writer for ESPN.com.

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