Seattle's Alexander wants to be great

PHILADELPHIA -- Shaun Alexander wants the ball during critical moments, the kind of moments that lead to championship rings. Then he wants the big contract that comes with success.

He craves the greatness of another famous athlete you might recall.

"I always wanted to be like the Michael Jordan of football," the Seattle Seahawks running back said, "where I'm putting up points every game. And that's what I've been shooting for."

Alexander has taken direct aim at the NFL's record book in a pivotal sixth season. His 1,339 yards and 20 touchdowns lead the NFL, and his 5.1-yard average per carry is tied for second among starting backs.

"He's having an MVP season," said middle linebacker Jeremiah Trotter, the Eagles' chief run stopper. "Seems like the more film I watch on him, the more impressive he is."

Should Alexander eclipse the 2,000-yard mark (he is on pace for 1,948), he would become the sixth back in NFL history to do it.

But would it guarantee him superstardom?

Seattle is one of the league's smallest media markets, and his name more often is linked to his uncertain contract status than leading role on the NFL's top-ranked offense, averaging 386.1 yards a game.

Alexander and San Diego's LaDainian Tomlinson stand to become the first halfback pair in league history to record 20 touchdowns in a season. But Tomlinson, who has 19, already broke the bank when the Chargers made him the league's highest-paid back in training camp.
Seattle, meanwhile, slapped Alexander with the dreaded franchise tag, leaving his future with the organization in doubt.

Alexander wants to stay. The team wants him back. Making it work within the salary cap is the dilemma. But Alexander is doing his best to cooperate while they work through the business end.

"I already had decided this place was great and it was a great fit for me," he said. "And now it's just the fact that it's taking care of business."

"Whenever it gets done, it'll be a huge contract," Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren added. "Clearly, he's having his best year."

Alexander can gain an edge on Tomlinson on Monday night at Lincoln Financial Field if 9-2 Seattle can break a two-game losing streak against the Eagles. A win would secure the Seahawks' second straight NFC West title.

While Alexander and Tomlinson lead the pack of MVP contenders, the Eagles refuse to compare the two.

Just because Tomlinson was held to a career-low 17 rushing yards against the Eagles in Week 7 doesn't mean Alexander can't break free.

Alexander has rushed for more than 110 yards in each of his past four games, and the Eagles defense hasn't looked much like the one that barricaded Tomlinson since.

"I don't think you compare the two," Eagles coach Andy Reid cautioned. "They're two different guys, two different teams. You got to put out of your mind what went on with San Diego, and put into your mind what Seattle does and become an expert on that."

Defensive coordinator Jim Johnson said Tomlinson thrives outside the tackles, whereas Alexander excels "downhill," or in between the tackles.

With that in mind, Johnson cautioned against improper tackling technique and lapses in discipline, both of which plagued the Eagles against Green Bay.

Tailback Samkon Gado burst for a 33-yard touchdown in the second quarter when Dhani Jones failed to wrap up Gado's ankles.

Gado rushed for 101 yards on 18 carries in the first half, but was held to 10 yards on eight carries after the Eagles made second-half adjustments.

"I think we gave up about 50 yards on two plays in the first half, and that was just on missing tackles," Trotter said.

A lapse against Alexander likely won't leave any opportunity for comebacks.
"He has the speed to get loose, and to run away from people," Eagles safety Brian Dawkins said. "He can catch the ball out of the backfield, he can stop on a dime. Right now, he's playing at a very, very high level."
Contact Geoff Mosher at gemosher@delawareonline.com.