Seahawks Break Camp, Make Tracks For Kirkland Erickson Gives Defense Good Marks In Impromptu Analysis

Seattle Seahawks players and coaches turned in some of their swiftest sprint times of training camp on Wednesday - right after the whistle blew on the last practice in Cheney.

The team clearly was anxious to get back to Seahawks headquarters in Kirkland after a month’s stay at Eastern Washington University.

“Hurry up (with questions), please,” coach Dennis Erickson told a group of reporters.

Five buses toted players and staff to the airport 75 minutes after the end of the morning practice. Some drove, but most players were flying back to Seattle.

Before departing, Erickson said camp was an emphatic success.

“The goals were to develop camaraderie, which we did, the weather was great and we wanted to get focused on what we needed to get focused on,” he said. “The most positive thing was the fans. It was really good for us to have people out here.”

Erickson was particularly pleased with the development of the linebackers and defensive line.

“I think the defensive front, with the addition of Dan (Saleaumua), can be pretty darn good,” he said.

Concerns remain, though.

“We’ve got a lot of problems to solve, but we’ve got two weeks to do it in,” he said. “The offensive line has got to continue to get better and improve. We’ve got Derrick Graham in (at right guard), so we’ve got to get that group working. We’ve got to continue working on special teams.”

Rookies Shawn Springs and Walter Jones missed most of camp before reporting, but they’re already first-teamers.

“Walter, you’re starting, learn fast buddy,” Erickson said. “Shawn, you’re starting, learn fast buddy.

“That’s how it’s got to be. We need both in there. Our theory is put them in and let them go.”

Camp sights

Defense dominated the offense in a 2-minute drill. The first-team offense was quickly stuffed. The second-team offense picked up some yardage, but wasn’t close to scoring.

Cornerback Dexter Seigler nearly intercepted two Warren Moon passes. After dropping the second, fellow corner Willie Williams prodded, “What’s wrong with you, man?” …

Saleaumua suggested that the team abandon its policy of staying in hotels on nights before home games. When he was with Kansas City, the players stayed at their homes and were better rested. Erickson’s inflexible reply: “I think he’s probably going to stay in the hotel on Saturday nights.” …

Saleaumua had a special camp visitor. A former high school classmate now living in Post Falls dropped by to see Saleaumua. They attended Sweetwater High in National City, Calif.

What’s next

The Seahawks resume workouts today at 3 in Kirkland. Erickson plans to make some of the required cuts toward a 60-man roster on Sunday and Monday.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Photo

MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: SEAHAWKS EXHIBITION Seattle, 1-2 in preseason, plays host to Indianapolis Saturday at 7 p.m. in the Kingdome.