When the Seahawks face the Minnesota Vikings tonight in their first pre-season game (5:00 p.m. on KONG-TV, 710 AM, 97.3 FM) there will be a number of sub-plots to watch.

Tonight marks the first night in nine seasons without Shaun Alexander on the sidelines (or in the game, if the stars were lined up). After cutting Alexander in the off-season, the Hawks are going with a back-field-by-committee approach that has brought real competition to the position for the first time in a decade. Look for the return of the screen pass to Holmgren's West Coast offense.

Ben Obomanu, Courtney Taylor, Logan Payne and Jordan Kent all continue the competition for a starting receiver position, with Deion Branch out due off-season surgery and the departure of free agent D.J. Hackett. Payne may miss the game due to a rib injury.

The offensive line is sorely lacking in depth, with OL Pork Chop Womack and C Chris Spencer out with injuries. With 2007 seventh-round draft choice Steve Vallos starting at center, starting QB Matt Hasselbeck may not see more than a series of action.

Finally, a tip of the hat to former Hawk lineman Chris Gray, who was forced to retire last week after being diagnosed with a serious spinal condition. Gray's arrival as a free-agent in 1998 was overshadowed by the signing of flamboyant Ricky Watters. But Gray's impact as a free-agent signing was much more significant. While Watters provided the oft-sputtering Hawk offense with some sizzle, Gray quietly helped solidify an offensive line which was historically a weakness. While others made headlines for their off-field antics, Gray just came to work every day and did his job, which as right guard, is one of the most thankless in football. Over the years, Gray put together a string of 121 consecutive games started, a team record. Seattlest applauds his loyalty and hard work.

photo courtesy of Seattlest Flickr user Bernzilla