Yes, they could drop well behind in the race for the NFC West division title if they lose.

But for now, they feel if they can get through Week 3 then get healthy during their bye the following week, they could almost be back to full strength.

"Some people who are 0-2 are panicking," quarterback Matt Hasselbeck said. "That is not us."

If they can get to Week 5 with a 1-2 record, the Seahawks are hoping to get back Bobby Engram and perhaps Deion Branch, tackle Sean Locklear and running back Maurice Morris. What's more, cornerbacks Kelly Jennings and Marcus Trufant should be healthier, as well as linebacker Lofa Tatupu.

The Seahawks have defeated the Rams on six straight occasions, last losing to them in 2004 in overtime.

They have the home-field advantage at Qwest Field, and they are facing a Rams team whose coach, Scott Linehan, already is facing speculation about his job security.

Beyond that, Seattle's defense, which returned 11 starters and was rumored to be the strength of the team, has given up 34 points against Buffalo and 33 against San Francisco, giving a shot to their pride.

"I suspect that they will be attentive," Holmgren said of his defense. "I think they are a little disappointed in how that went Sunday. They believe and I believe that we are better than that. But we have to start playing that way. I would guess it would be a rather intense week."

Even though the Rams are learning a new offensive system under Al Saunders, Holmgren said he still is concerned about the dangerous trio of Marc Bulger, Torry Holt and Steven Jackson. He also said he is worried about the blitzing the St. Louis did last year against Seattle.

And, finally, Holmgren said he is concerned because, like the Seahawks, the Rams are 0-2 as well and feel a sense of desperation.

"To think that you could come into a meeting and con them into something, that's really foolish," Holmgren said. "That's not going to happen. They're bright guys, they're smart guys. (I've said) 'This is the situation, this is what we're doing to try and fix it, this is one thing we have to do here a little bit better to try and help,' and then you go.

"You just get ready and play. It's not the first tough situation, and we're not the only team with a tough situation. The one thing you have to do is hit it straight on."

SERIES HISTORY: 20th meeting. The Seahawks lead the series, 10-9. They won the last six meetings, including a 24-19 victory last year in St. Louis. In that game, Seattle had two goal-line stands, including one in the final minute.