Dilfer Helps Make the Difference

Mike Holmgren has a tough decision to make. Matt Hasselbeck is the Seattle Seahawks’ quarterback of the future, but is Trent Dilfer their quarterback of the present?

Dilfer, replacing the injured Hasselbeck, made his first start Sunday since the Super Bowl and helped the Seahawks defeat the Jacksonville Jaguars, 24-15.

Dilfer, who won his last 11 starts for Baltimore last season on the way to a Super Bowl victory, teamed with tight end Itula Mili for a one-yard touchdown in the opening quarter. A 41-yard pass play to Mili set up Seattle’s third touchdown in the second quarter.

Holmgren found out what the Ravens discovered last season: Dilfer is a winner.

“I’m happy he’s with us,” Holmgren said. “He did a nice job. He made some nice throws. We are going to make an intelligent decision regarding the quarterback. We will do it at the beginning of next week.”

Defensive end Renaldo Wynn of the Jaguars (2-2) chipped in with some free advice for Holmgren.

“Trent Dilfer definitely seems like he’s the guy,” Wynn said. “He handled it great.”

Seattle (2-2) got support from second-year running back Shaun Alexander, who rushed 31 times for 176 yards and two touchdowns in his second career start.

Alexander took over for Ricky Watters, who was lost last week for more than a month with an injured right shoulder.

“When you know it’s on your shoulders, you come to the game with a totally different attitude,” Alexander said. “It’s awesome to have that feeling again. It’s the first time I’ve felt that way since the Orange Bowl in college.”

Dilfer, signed as a free agent Aug. 3, completed 15 of 23 passes for 219 yards with one touchdown and one interception.

“This is Matt’s team,” Dilfer said. “He’s banged up and it’s hard to play in this league when you’re hurt. It’s my job to come in and try to get the save for the starter.”