From Deseret News archives:
Raiders, Seahawks limp into preseason finale
Holmgren's backup Seattle Seahawks host Kiffin's reserve Oakland Raiders on Friday night in the preseason finale. That's the official description. It's really a final, three-hour tryout of kids for two beat-up teams that would rather not be playing another fake game.
Holmgren, a former backup quarterback at Southern California drafted in the eighth round by the St. Louis Cardinals in 1970, used to think the preseason games were fine as is. Not anymore.
Not with indispensable quarterback Matt Hasselbeck (tight back), Pro Bowl linebacker Lofa Tatupu (bruised knee), record-setting receiver Bobby Engram (broken shoulder), former Super Bowl MVP Deion Branch (knee surgery) and right tackle Sean Locklear (sprained knee) all hurt this preseason and out for Friday's game.
"I've changed my tune. I used to think four was OK," said Holmgren, who until a few years ago was on the league's competition committee. "When I was a rookie, we had six!
"A lot of veterans have used the time to get into shape. Players don't do that anymore. ... We're killing them in the offseason. So you don't need as many (preseason games). You really don't."
"Every play I've got to play like it's my last play ever in the NFL," Forsett said. "I'm trying to make it no doubt that I belong here."
With No. 3 quarterback Charlie Frye missing Seattle's only practice this week because of a sore knee and Wallace coming off a groin injury, No. 4 Dalton Bell may be throwing passes to Logan Payne, Jordan Kent, Courtney Taylor and Michael Bumpus the throng of receivers trying to take one of the last roster spots.
For Oakland, starting quarterback JaMarcus Russell won't play. Backup Andrew Walter will start and Marques Tuiasosopo may relieve. Banged up star cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha won't play, either. Pro Bowler Shane Lechler won't punt.
If rookie running back Darren McFadden, the fourth overall pick, is on the field, it won't be for long. Seattle's crowd can enjoy former Husky and deep backup Louis Rankin instead. Starting receivers Ronald Curry and Javon Walker won't play. Marcel Reece will.
Not exactly regular-season players for the fans who are paying regular-season money for tickets.
Comments
- Family thanks effort after cave deat 7:34 p.m.
- Fesenko out with stomach virus 7:31 p.m.
- Cowboys get past Raiders 24-7 7:30 p.m.
- The Who for the Super Bowl 7:08 p.m.
- Thursday's sports transactions 7:06 p.m.
- Holiday festivals offer family fun 6:30 p.m.
- Story of the 'Bells' retold 6:30 p.m.
- Reasons Brooks, Reiner are classics 6:30 p.m.
- Festival of Trees 6:30 p.m.
- Region 7 All-Region Team 6:29 p.m.
- Man trapped in Nutty Putty cave dies
- Rivalry has had some 'turkeys'
- Cave rescuers committed to free man
- Holiday television program listings
- Highland players make special friend
- Temple Square to use LEDs
- Matt Reynolds vs. Koa Misi
- Missions teach players perseverance
- Salt Lake City woman shot
- Provo star leads Bulldogs to win
- BYU would like friendlier rivalry
261 - Protests against Phoenix LDS temple
210 - RSL wins MLS Cup on penalty kicks
202 - Bronco, Kyle rubber match
139 - BYU records with win
133 - Letters: Rushing to judge Palin
131 - Thunder rolls by Jazz
130 - Boys basketball rankings
118 - Editorial: Poor welcome for Palin
112 - Hall, Johnson matchup key
102
With a game tonight against Chicago but Wednesday off from practice,...
Wayne Howard was a lightning rod in the Utah-BYU rivalry, back when he...
Respect to all the schools and games but what about the Fremont vs. Viewmont...
We have known the Jone's family here in Stansbury Park for a number of years...
I heard that the Sophomore Class for WJ was pretty good. I am sure that they...
Makes one appreciate Stockton even the more.
God is our refuge, a very present help in trouble.
re: Define comprehensive About making generalizations. Do you know...
So terrorism is illegal, you tell me is this right morally?, You guys dont...
What an inspiring young women.
The proposal is merely to reform health care insurance. Eighty percent of...
Fast for the Navajo Indians-- the Apaches and the many other Native...


You can be the first to comment on this story.