While I wait for the "official" stats from today's Seahawks' scrimmage from team media relations man Lane Gammel, here are some observations from today:

1. GREAT atmosphere. Sure, this was pretty much just like another day in practice for me, but the crowd of an estimated 11,000 had a good time and really got to let loose when Mike Holmgren asked them to make some noise like it was the Washington playoff game from last season. A lot of kids. Several players signed autographs and slapped hands with fans after the scrimmage, and one of the best signs in the crowd was "Marry me Lofa."

2. T.J. Duckett and Justin Forsett were the featured backs on a day in which the starters played very little if at all. Duckett was a load to bring down at times and plowed ahead for 6 and 7 yards a few times. Forsett, a rookie seventh-round pick who is a longshot to crack an already crowded backfield, turned in the two best runs of the day, one for 33 yards on a draw play.

3. The receivers made plays. Ben Obomanu and Logan Payne made nice catches, but Jordan Kent and Michael Bumpus had the best ones. Bumpus, a rookie undrafted free agent from Washington State, caught a Charlie Frye pass from the 23-yard line, took hits from Josh Wilson and Kevin Hobbs, and managed to lunge into the end zone. Kent, a second-year player from Oregon, hauled in a 53-yard bomb from Frye that was close to a touchdown, beating a pair of defenders.

4. The kicking competition is close. Rookie Brandon Coutu drilled on from 56 yards, giving him a slight edge over veteran Olindo Mare, who hit all but one try, a short attempt.

5. A lot of regulars were held out or played one series and out. But this scrimmage was more about letting the younger players and those in contention for a roster spot show what they have. Nice day for rookie TE John Carlson, who made some good catches for short gains and showed he can be an effective receiver.

6. Good day on defense for DEs Nu'u Tafisi, Jason Babin and Chris Cooper. I had said yesterday that Cooper was injured and wouldn't play, but his leg was apparently not serious enough to keep him out. Also Hobbs and S Jamar Adams played well in the secondary.

7. LT Walter Jones didn't even suit up. Those unavailable to play were LBs Wesly Mallard and Will Herring, P Ryan Plackemeier, C-G Chris Gray, C Chris Spencer, DT Red Bryant, WR Courney Taylor, TE Jeb Putzier, WR Deion Branch, DTs Marcus Tubbs and Larry Tripplett and DE Patrick Kerney.