Changing of guard

CHENEY – Shaun Alexander got his big contract.

Matt Hasselbeck got his endorsements.

Steve Hutchinson got out of town.

But not all of the 2005 Seattle Seahawks were rewarded with a perfect postscript to the historic season.

Two starters, both of whom were big factors in the 13-3 regular season and trip to the first Super Bowl in franchise history, are taking on lesser roles this time around.

Due to no fault of their own, linebacker D.D. Lewis and wide receiver Bobby Engram are probably going to lose their starting jobs this season. The high-profile signings of Julian Peterson and Nate Burleson, respectively, have pushed Lewis and Engram down the depth chart.

“I don’t think either one of us is scared of competition,” Lewis said, referring to himself and Engram. “We welcome it. Our work ethic says enough for itself that you don’t have to be looking over your shoulder. You just go out there, handle your business, and when you get the opportunity, make a play.”

Engram has worked with the No. 1 offense throughout training camp, but that could change as soon as this week. Darrell Jackson is expected to start practicing on a limited basis, and eventually he’ll re-assume his role as starting flanker. That would push Burleson, who has worked mostly at flanker this camp, to Engram’s split end spot.

Engram, as he did before getting promoted last year, would go back into the role of slot receiver.

“He’s really good in there,” offensive coordinator Gil Haskell said of the slot position where Engram played during his first four seasons in Seattle. “That’s his position.”

Lewis started 12 games at outside linebacker last season and ranked sixth on the team with 64 tackles. But the signing of Peterson meant that one of the starting linebackers had to sit, and Lewis was the coaches’ choice.

“It’s not hard on me,” Lewis said. “The way I look at it, I’ve got to do what’s best for me. I’m out there working hard and competing. That’s the best I can do right now.

“I can’t worry about the depth chart and stuff like that because I don’t have any control over that. The only thing I can control is my attitude, the way I work, and the way I go out and play my game.”