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The drill in question required the Seahawks' receivers standing in a circle, trying to balance on one leg while position coach Nolan Cromwell flipped softballs at them.

The object of the drill, Darrell Jackson explained, is to train the receiver to catch things with his fingertips instead of his palms. That way, the receiver stands a better chance of controlling a thrown ball.

The Seahawks dropped 37 passes last season.

Romero went on to remind readers that Jackson went through a slump of drops while Koren Robinson dropped at least two sure touchdown passes. Lesser-used receivers were not exempt, either, and catching the ball soared to the top of the list of major focus areas this offseason.

Robinson has committed to staying in the Seattle area for the team's workout program, rather than returning to his native North Carolina as he did in his first two offseasons. Robinson, Jackson, Bobby Engram and the cadre of receivers -- minus restricted free agent Alex Bannister for now -- are beginning the improvement process with the softball drills at the team's mini-camp this week.

"This camp is a fundamental camp," Jackson said. "It lets us prepare for the upcoming camps and games. ... Right now we're just knocking off the rust. My emphasis is just trying to get better, trying to catch everything."

Cromwell went to the softball tip drill to change the practice routine, a departure from simply making catches off a ball machine or regular pass-and-catch.

"The idea with the softball is just to get them to look at a smaller ball, something they can fine-tune on and focus on the catch," Cromwell said. "We went back and analyzed all of them (the dropped passes last season), and I think we have a pretty good feel on what it is.

"We were trying to do too much most of the time, rather than catching the ball first and doing it 1-2-3."

Robinson is said to be highly motivated this offseason after his production dropped by 13 catches and almost 350 yards from an impressive 2002 season in which he led the team in both categories (78 and 1,240). The team's early playoff departure in 2003 also affected his decision to stick around.

"I think it's time for me to step up and be a leader," Robinson, who is looking for a more permanent residence in the Seattle area, told Romero. " I felt like if I stayed up here, that would show people that I'm not playing around, that I'm serious about my job. I said, 'It all starts with me first.'

"I feel like I can be one of the best receivers in the league, but I think sometimes I rely on my athletic ability instead of trying to work on my craft. You have to mature sometime. You have to grow up. You have to take it serious. ..."

Also in Seattle. ... In an article published early Wednesday, Tacoma News Tribune beat man advised readers that Shaun Alexander won't be sulking through the final year of his contract with the Seattle Seahawks.

While some stars wind up playing for considerably less than market value, Alexander recently saw his 2004 salary increase noticeably.

According to Sando, the raise from $535,000 to $3.25 million is giving Alexander plenty to smile about during the team's ongoing passing camp. Yet, while the money is nice, Alexander said he's mostly happy about the Seahawks' prospects on the field.

"I hit all my incentives the last couple of years, so this year I won't be at the minimum salary, and that's exciting," Alexander told Sando Tuesday. "But my whole thing is to get to the Super Bowl.

"I think money just takes care of itself."

Alexander has spent additional time working out at Seahawks headquarters this offseason.

"We got so close, just getting right there in the playoffs, losing in overtime," he said. "If I can be here more, I know I'll pull more guys here and maybe we can get to the Super Bowl. ..."

Other Fantasy-specific news and notes from around the NFL. ...

In Philadelphia. ... Brian Westbrook, who tore the triceps muscle in his left arm in late December, may not be ready to participate in the club's first mini-camp April 29-May 2. But head coach Andy Reid said there is no question that Westbrook will be completely healed by the start of training camp.

Westbrook gave the Eagles a dangerous offensive weapon last season. He averaged 5.2 yards per carry, scored 11 touchdowns and averaged 9.0 yards per catch. He also finished second in the league in punt returns, averaging 15.3 yards per attempt and scoring two touchdowns.

But according to the Sports XChange, the 5-9, 195-pounder's durability remains a question. Besides the torn triceps tendon, which kept him out of the playoffs, he also missed time last year with ankle and hip injuries. His rookie season, he suffered ankle and wrist injuries.

Last year's injury problems came despite the fact that he averaged just 13.1 touches per game. And with Duce Staley no longer around, Reid is hoping to increase the workload of both Westbrook and the club's other running back, Correll Buckhalter.

"We've got two guys who know the offense," said Reid. "They'll spell each other and play."

Reid likely will add a third back -- either a veteran on the free agent market or promising second-year man Reno Mahe.

" I want to keep a rotation," Reid said. "I like that concept and I've done it since I've been here. That probably won't change, but I think Brian will play more and do his thing and hopefully stay healthy. ..."

In Green Bay. ... As reported by PackersNews.com staff writer Rob Demovsky, the team's pursuit of Cleveland quarterback Tim Couch could intensify this week after he visits team headquarters today.

Couch was scheduled to spend today meeting with the Packers. coaching and personnel staffs at Lambeau Field, an associate for Couch.s agent, Tom Condon, told Demovsky.

The Packers received permission from the Browns to contact Couch two weeks ago. The No. 1 overall pick in the 1999 draft met with Packers head coach Mike Sherman shortly thereafter, but little progress was made toward a deal during last week.s owners. meetings in Florida.

Couch.s visit to Green Bay could accelerate a possible deal. However, there are several significant obstacles. The Packers not only have to come to agreement on terms of a trade with the Browns, who likely are seeking a draft pick somewhere between the third and fifth rounds, but they would have to get Couch to agree to a restructured contract.

Couch is scheduled to be paid base salaries of $7.6 million this season and $8 million in 2005, according to NFL Players Association salary figures.

Demovsky went on to remind readers that trade interest in Couch appears to be lukewarm from other NFL teams, and there.s always the chance the Packers could wait to see if the Browns release Couch, which would make him a free agent. One way or the other, it.s a sure bet that Couch will not return to the Browns, who signed former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jeff Garcia to a four-year, $25 million contract.

It.s unknown how Couch feels about coming to Green Bay to back up Brett Favre, who has given no indication of how many more seasons he plans to play.

In Tampa Bay. ... According to Orlando Sentinel staff writer Chris Harry, Mike Alstott, who underwent surgery in December to repair a herniated disk in his neck, took part in all drills during the Buccaneers' opening offseason workout Tuesday in Tampa.

The six-time Pro Bowler sustained the injury in a collision with teammate and wide receiver Joe Jurevicius in the second game of the season. Alstott tried to play through the pain, but eventually went on injured reserve Oct. 7.

"Yeah, it's scary, but I guess we're stubborn athletes. We want to play," said Alstott, who was cleared to practice by team physicians. "I have no symptoms. I feel like I can do everything."

Jurevicius, who also finished the 2003 season on IR, joined Alstott on the field. ...

And in San Francisco. ... According to Sporting News columnist Dan Pompei, if Tim Rattay falters as the quarterback of the 49ers, second-year man Ken Dorsey could be a factor for San Francisco.

Dorsey has gained 25 pounds since he came into the league and now weighs more than 220. As a result, the 49ers believe he has improved his arm strength and durability.

Pompei added: "Dorsey also has impressed the coaching staff with his relentless will to improve."