Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando
Given the Bengals' stated desire of becoming a more physical team that pounds away in the ground game, the team is naturally taking a look at ... Shaun Alexander?
Since realignment in 2002, the Seahawks played NFC North teams during the 2003 and 2007 seasons only. Injuries slowed Alexander for most of last season. Seattle played the Bengals in September, and Alexander reached 100 yards against them.
Alexander had four carries against the Browns during the 2001 opener, when Ricky Watters was still the Seahawks' starter. That game predates the NFC North and wasn't relevant because Alexander wasn't in the lineup.
Alexander, released by Seattle before the draft, needs to find a situation that fits what he does well. Or what he did well during his productive seasons.
Alexander does not appear suited to be a third-down back or change-of-pace guy. In the past, he has talked about need the ball 20 or 25 times in a game to build a rhythm. It's unrealistic to expect a team to offer that type of opportunity to a nearly 31-year-old running back coming off two injury-affected seasons.
Matt Williamson put it bluntly in this analysis for Scouts, Inc.: "Now, he is a dancer who lacks the burst and power he once had. His legs die on contact, he isn't elusive or dynamic and simply cannot gain yardage on his own, nor does he fight for yardage with conviction when there is little room to run."
Alexander played his best on a one-year contract as the Seahawks' franchise player. The current situation also qualifies as urgent. Perhaps the extra incentive will help Alexander prove his critics wrong, assuming he gets the opportunity.
