When Qb Friesz Returns, He’ll Sit And Watch Moon Erickson Said Veteran’s Performance Will Keep Him Starting For Seahawks

Seattle Seahawks quarterback John Friesz, who broke his thumb in the season opener Aug. 31, is probably two weeks away from being ready to play.

But even if he was 100 percent, he would no longer be the starter, coach Dennis Erickson said Monday. Warren Moon has moved into that role after guiding Seattle to a 3-2 record in his five starts.

“We’re going to go with what’s been going well for us,” Erickson said. “We’ve had some success offensively. Warren’s played well, so we’re not going to make a quarterback change.”

Of course, no decision is currently necessary. The cast has been removed from Friesz’s thumb, but it is still being protected by a brace. He is doing mobility exercises and waiting for the doctor’s OK before taking snaps.

Friesz expects to miss the St. Louis game Oct. 19. Seattle, 3-3 after defeating Tennessee 16-13, has a bye this week.

“The thing that is holding me back is the flexibility in the wide grip,” Friesz said. “And the other concern is taking a snap. The pressure (of taking a snap) is pretty good. We don’t want to rush it one week, then have a setback that costs me a number of weeks.”

Asked about the probability he will return as a backup, Friesz said, “My No. 1 concern is getting healthy, so I don’t see that as an issue yet. There may come a time when decisions have to be made, but they won’t be made by me or Warren. I’ve got to get myself ready to play. Until then, everything is premature.”

Moon definitely has a hot hand, even with a battered receiving corps. He’s passed for more than 200 yards in each of the last four games. His completion percentage is up to 59.4 and his efficiency rating is 78.2.

“He’s just getting better because he understands what’s going on,” Erickson said. “He’s a great leader. Leadership is respect and people believing that you’re going to do your job. Obviously, he has a great deal of respect from his teammates.”

The only problem is, despite all of Moon’s and the running backs’ yardage, points have been scarce, Erickson said. “We’re close to exploding.”

Bruising runs

Steve “Bruiser” Broussard, fresh from a two-touchdown, 138-yard performance against Tennessee, is bidding for more playing time.

“You can’t do what he’s done and not plan on playing him. When, where and how, I don’t know,” Erickson said. “I do know when he’s indoors on turf, he’s pretty good.”

Broussard is a speedy alternative to Chris Warren and Lamar Smith, particularly in the second halves when defenders are weary.

“I don’t know that Steve can play 60 minutes, carry 25 times a game and be as effective as he is right now. So let’s bring him out of the bullpen and let him go,” Erickson said. “It doesn’t matter to me who plays. We just have to have the production.”

A bad habit

Seattle has been a slow starter, not only opening the season at least 0-2 the last three years under Erickson, but also in games. The Hawks were fortunate to escape a 10-0 halftime hole against Tennessee.

“We were very lethargic in the first half,” Erickson said. “At 3-3, there isn’t a heck of a lot of room for error. We’re going to have to come out with some consistency every week.

“There’s nobody on our schedule that we can beat by showing up. … You have to play 60 minutes or you’re going to end up on the wrong end of the score.”

Rush job

Seattle’s defense is beginning to take some chances. The Seahawks blitzed the Oilers about a dozen times. Erickson applauded the secondary, Matt LaBounty, who is replacing injured end Phillip Daniels, and tackle Sam Adams.

“No. 1, we’re covering better in the secondary and our corners are playing with more confidence,” Erickson said. “No. 2, (Tennessee) wasn’t a maximum protection team. We were able to come free on our blitzes.”

Healing up

The only starter expected to miss St. Louis is Daniels (knee). He might be ready for Oakland on Oct. 26.

That means Chris Warren, Cortez Kennedy, Ronnie Harris and Joey Galloway should return.

, DataTimes MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: NEXT UP FOR SEAHAWKS After a bye Sunday, Seattle will travel to St. Louis on Oct. 19 to take on the Rams.