Matt Hasselbeck wears his passion on his shoulder pads – as well as his sense of humor. It was apparent after practice on Thursday, and after coach Pete Carroll had announced that the veteran QB will start Saturday’s game against the Saints.

Stepping before the cameras, Hasselbeck noticed that ESPN was present.

“Look at this,” he cracked. “I didn’t know you guys covered the CFL.”

When asked by another out-of-town reporter if he had a reaction to talk earlier in the week about whether or not the Seahawks should apologize for being in the playoffs with a 7-9 record, Hasselbeck offered an incredulous look before saying, “Apologize to who? No, I’m not going to apologize for that.”

Asked about a 7-9 team going up against the defending Super Bowl champions, Hasselbeck said, “They are 0-0 right now, so that’s where my head’s at.”

Asked what advantage the Seahawks might have because all the pressure is focused on the Saints, he smiled and said, “I don’t know how they feel. Maybe they’re bummed that they don’t have a bye and they’ve got to fly seven hours to southern Alaska.”