Some Seahawks Don’t Get Message

Orlando Watters became an example of what not to do if Seattle Seahawks coach Dennis Erickson demotes you.

Two weeks ago, Erickson moved Dexter Seigler ahead of Watters as a backup cornerback. Instead of responding with hustle, Watters countered with sloppy play. Last week, Tony Brown moved ahead of Watters, who then played with even less enthusiasm.

Watters, despite eight starts at cornerback last season, became an former Seahawk on Tuesday when he was waived along with kicker Judd Davis. In the coach’s eye, Watters failed to respond to a couple of challenges.

Following his team’s disappointing showing against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, Erickson spread challenges around to numerous players.

Starting left guard Jeff Blackshear was benched in favor of inexperienced first-year player Matt Joyce, who impressed Erickson with his play at guard and center.

Tony Covington, the team’s highest paid backup safety, was demoted to third-team free safety behind starter Eugene Robinson and backup Jay Bellamy. Covington received a $175,000 signing bonus with his two-year $738,000 contract.

The coaches sent signals to two-time Pro Bowl right tackle Howard Ballard that they are dissatisfied with his play. Had Ray Roberts, who is recovering from his fourth ankle surgery in eight months, been healthy, the thought of benching Ballard might be an option. James Atkins and Mike Keim are the only healthy tackles beside Ballard, who is playing with right knee problems.

Receivers Terrence Warren and Michael Bates could lose their spots as kick-returners if James McKnight and Ronnie Harris do well Saturday against the San Francisco 49ers. Warren and Bates are in a frenzied roster battle against Harris for the last receiver position on the team.

“The promotions and demotions within this team aren’t etched in granite,” secondary coach Willy Robinson said. “What they are is another way to alert the body chemistry to sit down there and say, ‘OK, I’m going to be a better player, and I know that they are criticizing me. This is a harsh way to critique me, but it’s the right way.”

Seven players must be released by 1 p.m. Sunday. The pressure is on. Coaches know it. Players know it. If the players had questions, they found answers on the practice field Tuesday afternoon when Erickson and his staff juggled the depth chart.