SEAHAWKS

When the news about Matt Hasselbeck came out yesterday, it became obvious the Seahawks would have Seneca Wallace under center for at least the next three games.

Which set off a flood (of stories) in Seattle.

The Seattle Times' ran an internet poll - the winner this far: Wallace will cost the Hawks at least one game. The poll appeared on the obligatory feature about Wallace's past, and his challenge-strewn path to become the Seahawks' backup quarterback. And there was the obligatory "how will Seneca do?" story in the P-I.

But that's only the start. The Seattle-area columnists weighed in, including Steve Kelley, Ted Miller and Dave Boling. They offered everything from hope to Seattle fans to advice to Mike Holmgren.

Then there's the question of whether or not the hit on Hasselbeck was an accident or not. The quarterback doesn't think it was. After watching it over and over, I agree with Hasselbeck. Yes, E.J. Henderson was pushed – sort of – by Mack Strong, but the Minnesota linebacker made no attempt to avoid contact whatsoever.

I have a rule I would institute if I were king of a sport: If it is determined a player was injured due to an illegal action, the player who caused the injury would be suspended without pay as long as the injured player was unable to play. It would cut down on cheap shots, don't you think?

With the quarterback out, how about the All-Pro running back? When will he return? The date keeps moving back, but now the Hawks are targeting the Nov. 6 game against Oakland for Shaun Alexander's comeback.

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