Hawks’ Dl Looks Like A Potent Force Brown Adds Depth To Strong Pass Rush

There were times during Friday’s practices that the Seahawks’ defensive line was Michael Sinclair, Cortez Kennedy, Sam Adams and Chad Brown.

And defensive coordinator Greg McMackin probably was trying to keep from doing cartwheels.

“It is exciting,” McMackin said. “We’ve got guys coming off the edge, Tez and Sam coming off the ball. It’s a pretty good force coming up the field.”

Presumably the offensive linemen aren’t as thrilled as McMackin.

Adams, perhaps the standout of training camp thus far, has been a handful for the offensive front since the opening workout on Wednesday. On one play, Adams got leverage on 6-foot-4, 296-pound guard Frank Beede and pushed him backward until Beede collided with quarterback John Friesz.

Brown will be the rush end in the Hawks’ nickel package, usually on second- and third-down, long-yardage situations. Otherwise, he’ll play outside linebacker.

“Chad Brown is starting to do some of the things we thought he would do,” coach Dennis Erickson said.

Antonio Edwards and Phillip Daniels are battling to replace Michael McCrary at right defensive end. McMackin has been pleased with both Edwards and Daniels.

Sinclair, who is nearing full speed after tearing a hamstring muscle at a minicamp seven weeks ago, likes the front’s potential.

“We led all defensive linemen in the NFL in sacks last year, so that’s definitely something to build on,” said Sinclair, a Pro Bowler last season. “Now it’s time to play the run better and to be nasty. We’re starting to gel and that happens when you get veterans playing together.”

Kennedy concurred.

“When we come off that ball, we’re something special,” said Kennedy, who has been selected to the last six Pro Bowls. “We’re really good at pass rushing, but we need to keep working on stopping the run.”

“We sort of recruited to that,” McMackin said, referring to the signings of Brown, cornerback Willie Williams and safety Bennie Blades.

TV timeout

Several players turned down media requests following lunch. They had to hurry back to their dorm rooms to catch the Jerry Springer show. Friday’s topic: Sorry, that won’t be appearing in this family newspaper.

Still waiting

Summarizing the Seahawks’ negotiations with first-round draft picks Shawn Springs and Walter Jones: Lots of chatter, no signatures.

“I don’t expect anything until at least Monday,” Ajili Hodari, Springs’ agent, said. “I had no idea it would be like this. The Seahawks went out and made Shawn their guy and now they aren’t treating him fairly. Shawn just wants a fair deal.

“Shawn should be a top priority and he’s not,” added Hodari, miffed that Seattle earlier signed its three lower-round picks.

“It’s evident nothing’s going to happen until another deal or two falls in the top seven or eight (picks),” Seahawks vice president Randy Mueller said.

Springs is pushing for $2 million, which would leave Jones less than $1.2 million, though he was selected only three picks after Springs, who was taken at No. 3. Seattle prefers $1.8 million for Springs and some creative financing, such as guarantees and signing bonus deferrals.

“We’ve got some things in this (proposed) contract with Springs that we’ve never done before,” Mueller said. “These are legitimate concessions on our part and new ownership’s part.”

Best foot forward

Barring the unforeseen, Todd Peterson will be the place-kicker for the third consecutive season. He doesn’t have a challenger in camp.

“It’s an interesting position to be in,” said Peterson, who set a franchise record with 111 points last year. “Two years ago, after my first year, they asked (if I wanted another kicker in camp). I said, ‘That’s a weird question.’ If I say no, it’s seen as not wanting competition. If I say yes, I’m not very bright. This past year they just decided kind of without saying anything to me not to bring in somebody.”

Peterson made 28 of 34 field goals last season and 23 of 28 two years ago. His only miss on the road in ‘96 was a game-winning attempt against Detroit.

Camp sites

A Seahawks fan was spotted wearing a No. 3 Rick Mirer jersey. He must not have been intercepted by security… . Wide receiver Ronnie Harris is getting around training camp with a four-foot skateboard, courtesy of a neighbor who works for RollerBlade. … Seahawks officials anticipate large crowds for weekend practices. Today’s schedule: 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Sunday’s lone practice is at 3.

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