CHENEY, Wash. -- Observations on the 2003 Seattle Seahawks from a training camp scrimmage with the Houston Texans:

	Dilfer

1. The backup quarterback spot would be solid if Trent Dilfer was healthy, but you've got to wonder. He's coming off an Achilles tendon tear. He pulled an oblique muscle July 28 and just now is starting to throw. Emotionally, he lost his five-year-old son to a heart disease in April. Dilfer needs to shed a few pounds and get back in shape quickly because Seneca Wallace, a short, run-around quarterback, and Jeff Kelly aren't ready to assume backup duties.

2. The Seahawks clearly have the best secondary in the NFC West. They are the only team in the division to present three top coverage cornerbacks -- Shawn Springs, Ken Lucas and Marcus Trufant. Willie Williams is a valuable inside coverage backup. In fact, the Seahawks could get trade value if they wanted to unload veteran Doug Evans or Kris Richard. Trufant is a stud with great instincts and coverage ability. Second-round choice Ken Hamlin should win a starting safety job next to Reggie Tongue and give the team more range at safety.

3. Offensive tackle Chris Terry ran into off-the-field issues that forced his departure from the Carolina Panthers, but he looks like a Pro Bowler with the Seahawks. The Seahawks rewarded him with a $3.8 million a year contract, and he's living up to the price. Terry can be a dominating run blocker that will open the right side of the line for halfback Shaun Alexander. The Seahawks should have their best line in franchise history once left tackle Walter Jones reports, but he's still holding out for a contract for $7 million a year.

4. Alexander is a touchdown machine, but Mike Holmgren wants to get more from him on running plays away from the end zone. Holmgren believes that Alexander's 1,200-yard numbers could grow to 1,500 if he hits holes more directly. Alexander, who trained hard this offseason, is doing that. He is also being pressed by Maurice Morris, a talented second-year back who is also a threat.

John Clayton is a senior writer for ESPN.com.