Clearly, the Seahawks have taken a step backward as part of their long-range plan to not only surpass, but obliterate the 8-8 standard set by Erickson. The plan, Holmgren said, is to remain competitive while putting the pieces in place.

"The Rams' overnight turnaround was in record only," Holmgren said. "That had been a five-year building process of getting those players, from Isaac Bruce to Kurt Warner, Kevin Carter and some high draft picks. And then all of a sudden they hit it.

"I want to build a foundation here," he continued. "I'm not willing to make two or three moves and continue to be 8-8. To get over that hump and get to be 11-5, 12-4 and give yourself a chance, sometimes you've got to take a step backward before taking two steps forward. But you do it while building the correct foundation."

CHANGES ELSEWHERE: Don't be surprised if the Seahawks make a change at receiver this week. Veteran Derrick Mayes, who led the team with 62 receptions last season, appears particularly vulnerable after a poor performance against the Dolphins.

And with rookie Darrell Jackson on the upswing, it's only a matter of time before the third-round choice carves out a spot in the starting lineup.

Kitna gets the call

Sept. 6, 2000

The Seahawks will stick with Jon Kitna as their starting quarterback for the time being, coach Mike Holmgren announced Wednesday.

"After reviewing the film and becoming less emotional, I'm going to stay with Jon," Holmgren said. "He had earned the position heading into the season and he has earned the chance to come out of this thing."

Holmgren pondered starting backup Brock Huard against the St. Louis Rams this week after Kitna threw four interceptions and lost a fumble during a 23-0 loss to the Miami Dolphins in the season-opener.

"This is important stuff to the success of the team," Holmgren added. "Can you bounce back? How resilient are you?"

The Seahawks will have to be more than resilient to avoid being blown out by the Rams' league-leading offense. They can only hope the St. Louis defense proves as accommodating as it did Monday night during the Rams' 41-36 victory over the Denver Broncos.

OOPS, MY BAD: Kitna is probably kicking himself for deciding last season to turn down the Seahawks' four-year, $13 million contract offer. The offer, made in October, included a $3 million "bonus" to be paid before the 2000 season.

Kitna, who led the Seahawks to an 8-2 record to start last season, apparently believed he could enhance his value further with a strong finish to the season. Then came a late-season slide that has yet to reverse itself, and Kitna's starting job -- to say nothing of his financial future -- is suddenly in jeopardy.