McIntosh makes ready for crash course

SEAHAWKS: Newest lineman has an edge being familiar with zone blocking scheme

ERIC D. WILLIAMS; The News Tribune | • Published October 15, 2009

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RENTON – Originally from Florida, Seattle Seahawks new offensive tackle Damion McIntosh had been working out regularly in Kansas City, Mo., after the Chiefs cut him unceremoniously just before the season began.

Six weeks later, the 6-foot-4, 328-pounder is back on an NFL roster, and thankful for another opportunity to show that he can play.

Asked how he stayed in playing shape, McIntosh said he used the potential phone call from an NFL team as motivation.

“I just kind of tried my best to stay up to par,” he said. “As the weeks went on. … I don’t know. I’m glad I had this opportunity now.”

Truth be told, at first blush McIntosh looks a few pounds over his playing weight. Along with the steep, uphill task of learning a new offensive system well enough to play for the Seahawks on Sunday against Arizona, McIntosh also needs to get into game-playing shape in case his number is called.

Seahawks head coach Jim Mora said the team is leaning toward going with fourth-stringer Kyle Williams as the starting left tackle against the Cardinals. Williams took the majority of snaps with the first unit on Wednesday. McIntosh spent most his time during practice observing and working with the second unit. However, offensive line coach Mike Solari, who coached McIntosh while serving as the Chiefs’ offensive coordinator in 2007, says it’s important to get McIntosh up to speed.

“Damion is the man we brought in that we feel can help us at tackle,” Solari said. “And again, he’s learning on the run. And that’s the hard part, getting him ready and prepared to play at a winning performance for us on Sunday.”

The Seahawks, with only six healthy offensive linemen available, signed the 10-year veteran to the team’s active roster on Tuesday as insurance in case they lose another body this week.

Seattle already is playing without three projected starting linemen in Sean Locklear (ankle), Walter Jones (knee) and Rob Sims (ankle). The team is hopeful all three can return to the field after Seattle’s bye week for a Nov. 1 game at Dallas.

The Seahawks lost their fourth tackle on Sunday with third-string tackle Brandon Frye suffering a neck injury that the team initially thought was just a neck stinger. However, after further evaluation Frye’s injury proved more serious, and the team placed him on the season-ending injured-reserve list.

Now, Seattle will start its fourth different starting lineup on the offensive line in only the sixth game of the season.

Fortunately for the Seahawks, McIntosh said he’s familiar with Seattle’s zone blocking scheme after running similar schemes in Kansas City and at his other stops in Miami and San Diego.

“Every team I’ve been on we’ve ran the zone, so I look forward to it,” he said. “I’ve just got to learn the lingo, just get it down and get their rhythm, their tempo and the way they run their offense. I’ve been watching them, now I’ve got to get up to speed with them.”

Extra points

Veteran cornerback Ken Lucas was excused from practice on Wednesday, returning home to Mississippi following Friday’s death of his father, Clyde. “He will absolutely play (Sunday), but we’re respecting the fact he lost someone significant in his life, his father,” Mora said. “There are more important things in life than a football game. It’s sacreligious when a head coach says that, I realize, but it’s true.” Lucas stayed with the team and played in Sunday’s victory over Jacksonville after learning of his dad’s unexpected passing. ... Mora said Justin Griffith remains the team’s starting fullback, and will start against Arizona. Mora said that Griffith could have played last week but was not 100 percent, so the team decided to place him on the inactive list. However, with Griffith’s experience in the zone blocking scheme, the team still believes he’s the best option at fullback. ... Asked about the inconsistencies in the run game, Mora said he’s OK with how the team has performed running the ball right now, considering all of the changes the offensive line has went though up front. He expects the run game to improve if the team ever settles into a healthy starting five up front. But they may struggle running the ball this week, as Arizona is ranked No. 1 overall against the run defensively heading into this week’s contest. .. With an extra spot on the practice squad, the Seahawks added offensive lineman Mark Lewis, a University of Oregon product.

Eric D. Williams: 253-597-8437

eric.williams@thenewstribune.com

blog.thenewstribune.com/seahawks