He’s in a rush to perform

Of all the changes on the Seattle Seahawks’ defense, some of the most pertinent ones might have to do with Grant Wistrom’s foot, knee and back.

They’re all healthy, again.

“Last year was a really difficult year,” Wistrom said. “I missed more games in one season (eight) than I did in six years combined (five). Especially with the contract Seattle had given me, I really wanted to be out there on the field earning every penny of it and unfortunately I wasn’t able to do that.

“Knock on wood, right now I feel better than I have in three or four years. It’s really surprised me how great I feel. Hopefully, all of that is behind me and I never miss another game.”

Wistrom was uncomfortable even before training camp last year. He missed one minicamp with back spasms, and then battled plantar fasciitis in his foot at training camp. That led to more back issues during the season, but it was a knee injury that put the defensive end on the sideline for four weeks midway through 2004. He returned only to re-injure the knee, missing the final three regular-season games and the 27-20 playoff loss to St. Louis.

It wasn’t the way Wistrom, who signed a six-year, $33-million contract with Seattle, envisioned his first year as a Seahawk unfolding.

“With the plantar fasciitis, the orthotics I was wearing weren’t the right ones for me,” he said. “So I’m in a different set of orthotics. My back bothered me throughout the year, but I’ve done some back exercises to stay on top of that. I just feel great.”

When healthy, the high-energy Wistrom’s effect on Seattle’s defense was quantifiable last season. On average, the Seahawks gave up 3.2 fewer points and 33 fewer yards in games with Wistrom in the lineup.

“It was a remarkable difference when he was on the field versus when he wasn’t playing,” coach Mike Holmgren said. “Without looking at his individual statistics, as a player for that defense he was very, very important.”

Wistrom had been durable and productive throughout his career. From 1999, when he first earned a starting job with St. Louis, through 2003, Wistrom missed only two games and averaged 86.4 tackles and 7.7 sacks. He dropped to 38 tackles and 3.5 sacks in his injury-plagued 2004 season.

Wistrom might be surrounded by as many as eight new starters on defense. Up front, Marcus Tubbs and Chuck Darby are currently running with the first team and Bryce Fisher, a former teammate of Wistrom’s in St. Louis, is a candidate to start at left end.

Last year’s starting linebackers, Chad Brown, Anthony Simmons and Orlando Huff, are no longer with the team. Andre Dyson will probably step in for the departed Ken Lucas at cornerback. Safety Michael Boulware, who started four games last year, should be a full-time starter this season.

Wistrom has seen extensive makeovers before, including one with the Rams.

“It depends on how quickly guys pick it up, (but) this really isn’t that complicated of a scheme,” Wistrom said. “They (the Rams) brought in Lovie Smith as defensive coordinator (in 2001) and brought in a bunch of new players. We were pretty successful that year. We made it to the Super Bowl.

“It can happen. It’s just that guys have to be willing to get in the playbooks and be smart players and know their roles.”

Wistrom noticed another similarity with his tenures in St. Louis and Seattle. Instead of butting helmets with St. Louis left tackle Orlando Pace, Wistrom faces off against Walter Jones at training camp at Eastern Washington University.

“That that doesn’t kill you …” Wistrom chuckled. “Those are two of the best tackles in the league. I don’t what it is about me, but I can’t find an easy one to go up against.”

Wistrom emphasized that it’s up to the players to generate a defensive turnaround.

“I love (defensive coordinator Ray) Rhodes and love playing for him,” he said. “I don’t think there’s a guy on our defense that doesn’t enjoy playing for him. If we’re not a good defense, it’s not because of him because Ray always puts a good product on the field.”

X factor

Veteran Bobby Engram will likely move from slot receiver to split end (or the “X”) where he’ll replace Koren Robinson.

“I actually played ‘X’ in Chicago for two years (1996-1997) and then switched over to ‘Z’ for three years,” Engram said. “Then I came out here and things kind of change when you go to a different team, but I was willing to accept that because we had some talented receivers. Now I just get my opportunity to show what I can do.”

Engram has been steady and sure-handed in four seasons with Seattle. He’s caught between 29 and 52 passes each season and been a reliable target on third down.

“I’m definitely still going to go inside,” he said. “I’ve told Coach that several times. I love going inside and doing what’s best to help this team win, but I want to try to expand my role and do more first- and second-down two-receiver sets.”

The position change isn’t dramatic. Engram said the routes and timing are different, but “it’s still just football. You have to beat your man one-on-one and get open.”

Engram remains an option as a punt returner, too. He’s returned 68 punts the last four seasons.

Fish story

Receivers coach Nolan Cromwell was off his game. He hadn’t put in the requisite time studying the opponents’ tendencies. The results were predictable.

“I was terrible,” he admitted, shaking his head, “but it was still fun.”

Bass fishing tournaments usually are, even if the bass don’t cooperate. Cromwell and a friend from Seattle participated in a bass tourney on Lake Coeur d’Alene prior to the beginning of training camp.

He’s competed in tournaments before in Wisconsin and California.

“I enjoy fishing and I enjoy the competition,” he said. “I have to get over there (to Lake Coeur d’Alene) a little more to find out what’s going on. It’s a beautiful lake.”

Notes

Running back Shaun Alexander, proceeding cautiously with a sore hamstring, took a few repetitions in the morning practice. Reserve tailback Maurice Morris returned to work from his tender hamstring. Linebackers D.D. Lewis (concussion) and Lofa Tatupu (hamstring) and defensive tackle Rashad Moore (shoulder) remain sidelined. … Washington State University coach Bill Doba and members of his staff visited camp. Doba chatted with center Robbie Tobeck, a former Cougar, on the sideline. … The temperature reached 94 degrees for the special teams practice in the afternoon, the hottest day of camp thus far.