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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Air Erickson Takes Off Seahawks A Long Time Getting Passing Attack Off The Ground

Associated Press

Seattle Seahawks opponents take note: Air Erickson is here to stay.

Seeming more relieved than flying high after the Seahawks’ first victory of the season, coach Dennis Erickson said Monday the aggressive passing strategy was a long time coming.

“To mix it up and throw it, that’s what we’ve always wanted to do. That’s what I’ve always done. Now I feel that we can do it,” he said.

Still, he was not about to make too much of a 31-3 romp Sunday over the hapless Indianapolis Colts (0-3) in the Seahawks’ first road game.

“You’ve got to keep it in perspective. That’s one offensive day in three, and that’s how you’ve got to look at the win, one win in three, so we know where we’re at.

“We’ve got a long ways to go and we’ve got to continue to win to get back into the race,” the coach said.

His only unhappiness was with special-teams coverage. The Colts’ Aaron Bailey ran back six kicks for 213 yards, including a 61-yarder and a 53-yarder.

“It’s just guys getting out of their lanes. We missed a lot of tackles,” Erickson said. “That’s something we’ve got to get straightened out.”

Erickson hardly expected to open 0-2. During the offseason, new owner Paul Allen spent millions of dollars on free agents and draft choices.

Erickson said Warren Moon’s 24-for-38 passing for 270 yards and a touchdown marked the long-awaited convergence of a capable quarterback and an offensive line that could provide adequate protection.

Sometimes the tight ends held at the line, sometimes they were released. Ditto for wideouts. Sometimes they all went out. Sometimes the Seahawks emptied the backfield.

The idea is “to give them different looks and different protections, which kind of keeps the defense off-balance,” Erickson said. “I mean, we’re going to do that. We’re going to find a way to throw the ball a lot.”

The Seahawks are back in the Kingdome on Sunday to play the San Diego Chargers, another 1-2 team.

“This game, because it’s an AFC West game, is a big key for us. Winning at home is a big key for us,” Erickson said.