Holmgren in quandary
KIRKLAND, Wash. – He hears it.
He feels it, he sees it, he swelters in it.
No matter how much he tries to block it all out, Mike Holmgren hears the blabber.
Fans are angry and frustrated, and Holmgren is their main target. If there were ever any question about his dwindling popularity in Seattle, he is reminded of it every time he walks toward the Qwest Field tunnel after a loss.
“As much as I try to avoid it, I hear it, and I’m human,” Holmgren said Wednesday. “I’m disappointed (in the Seahawks’ 6-6 record). I’m as disappointed as anybody at some of the things that have happened.”
The organization doesn’t make it a point to talk about front-office personnel issues during the season, so for now Holmgren’s job security is something for fans to dispute on their own.
Many are mad at the way his team has given up double-digit, fourth quarter leads in two games this season – most recently during Monday’s 43-39 loss to Dallas. They’ve questioned his play-calling, his motivational tactics and his ability to coach this team.
Holmgren looks at Seattle’s .500 record and knows why so many fans are disappointed.
“I understand the emotion,” he said. “The expectation level is high. Believe me: It was high, and is high, for me. I don’t expect the fans to understand some of the business side of a franchise that sometimes has to take place.
“Our fans understand. The bottom line is winning and losing, and they’re passionate about their football team. I can understand that feeling, I really can.”
So what could he have done differently? Using the benefit of hindsight, there are plenty of Monday-morning-quarterbacks who have advice. But Holmgren’s not ready to set up a 1-800 help line.
“My commitment and what we’re trying to accomplish has never wavered,” he said. “I’ll keep coaching the same way. If I had a chance to talk to those folks one-on-one, I think I could kind of explain some things. But that’s never the case.”
Holmgren is as frustrated as anyone in Seattle’s 3-6 record over the past nine weeks. Twelve games into the season, he’s still trying to figure out what makes the Seahawks tick.
His frustration has been at an all-time high, and the 56-year-old Holmgren admitted recently that the losses have taken a heavier toll on him than they did earlier in his career.
“You take too many body blows – boom-boom – pretty soon you can’t take so many anymore,” Holmgren said.
Controversial call
Holmgren said that Keyshawn Johnson’s late touchdown shouldn’t have counted when Dallas rallied to beat the Seahawks on Monday night.
Holmgren said replays and film study showed Johnson was not in bounds when he made the catch, and the coach questioned why replay officials didn’t review the play.
The TD cut Seattle’s lead to 39-36 with 1:45 remaining.
“He didn’t score. That was not a touchdown,” Holmgren said.
Johnson told reporters in Texas the issue is much ado about nothing, stirred simply because of his reputation for being outspoken.
Cowboys quarterback Vinny Testaverde also suggested Seattle safety Terreal Bierria pushed out Johnson.
Quick slants
Linebacker Chad Brown practiced with the scout team but isn’t expected to play until next week’s game against the New York Jets. He has missed the past two games following a knee scope. … Cornerback Bobby Taylor (knee) is doubtful. … Wide receiver Jerry Rice injured his right leg early in practice. There was no word on the severity of his injury.
Injuries to three defensive tackles forced the Seahawks to use offensive linemen Wayne Hunter and former WSU Cougars standout Joey Hollenbeck at the position during practice. … Marcus Tubbs (high ankle sprain) and Rocky Bernard (sprained MCL in his right knee) will not play Sunday.