Knox, Seattle Will Stick With Johnson

The Seattle Seahawks thought about replacing Norm Johnson as their kicker this week but Johnson will be on the job when they face Cincinnati on Monday night.

Coach Chuck Knox said Thursday he’s decided that Johnson is a better kicker than any of the free agents available to the Seahawks.

Johnson missed field goals of 39 and 44 yards in a 34-31 overtime loss last Sunday in Denver. Either kick could have won the game.

The Seahawks at 0-3 are off to their worst start since 1977. The Bengals are 3-0.

Knox said Johnson must put his missed field goals behind him.

“Norm Johnson has been kicking a long time,” Knox said. “He’s a professional. It’s just something he has to work through. There doesn’t appear to be anything wrong from a mechanical or technical standpoint. All he needs is to go out and make a kick or two.”

The Seahawks had a lively practice Thursday, spiced by a pair of fights featuring rookie defensive tackle Eric Hayes, a 6-foot-3, 297-pounder from Florida State. Hayes first took on center Grant Feasel and then battled with guard Bryan Millard.

“I wouldn’t call that a fight,” said top draft choice Cortez Kennedy, a rookie defensive tackle. “Everybody is just getting ready to play, that’s all.”

The Seahawk players think they’re on the verge of winning.

“We’ve got to find a way to win now,” Millard said. “We’ve found ways to lose. I’d like to think we’re better than an 0 and 3 team.”