SEATTLE, Oct. 14 (UPI) -- Sparked by the running of Shaun Alexander and a defense that intercepted Brian Griese three times, the Seattle Seahawks rolled to a surprising 34-21 victory Sunday over the Denver Broncos.
In 2000, the Seahawks' defense ranked last in the NFL, prompting coach-general manager Mike Holmgren to make wholesale changes on that side of the ball. They included the signing of veterans Chad Eaton, Levon Kirkland, John Randle and Marcus Robertson.
Seattle also was embarrassed in its two losses to the Broncos last season, surrendering 69 points. Griese missed both of those games with a shoulder injury.
Griese went 24 of 36 Sunday for 209 yards with two touchdowns and three interceptions while being sacked three times.
Safety Reggie Tongue made Griese pay for one of his mistakes, returning an interception 55 yards for a touchdown early in the second quarter that staked Seattle to a 17-0 advantage.
Tongue added another interception and cornerback Shawn Springs also picked off a pass for Seattle, which came into the contest ranked fifth in the league on defense.
The Seahawks' defense also did a good job in bottling up Mike Anderson, who carried 17 times for 51 yards. As a rookie last season, Anderson rushed for 326 yards and four touchdowns against Seattle.
Alexander, making his second straight start in place of the injured Ricky Watters, had another huge game Sunday, rushing for 142 yards on 33 attempts. He rushed for a career-high 176 yards and two touchdowns in last week's victory over Jacksonville.
On Sunday, Alexander set the tone early, breaking off a 60-yard touchdown run 3:06 into the contest, sending Seattle (3-2) on its way to its second straight win. He also scored on a one-yard run in the third quarter.
Trent Dilfer also got his second straight start at quarterback in place of injured Matt Hasselbeck and went an efficient 12 of 18 for 110 yards.
Dilfer, who signed with the Seahawks after leading the Baltimore Ravens to the Super Bowl title last season, has won 13 consecutive starts, including playoffs.
Rod Smith and Eddie Kennison had touchdown receptions and Deltha O'Neal returned a punt 86 yards for a score for the Broncos (3-2).
