Former Seahawks running back Thomas Rawls had plenty to say about Jadarian Price’s first NFL game, and the biggest thing he took from the rookie’s Week 1 tape wasn’t a highlight-reel run or a flashy burst. It was the basics.
On the latest episode of the Sea Hawkers Podcast, Rawls broke down Price’s debut, previewed Seattle’s Week 2 meeting with the Arizona Cardinals, and weighed in on the matchup between Price and Cardinals rookie Jeremiyah Love, the former Notre Dame backfield mate now set to see him across the field.
Price’s stat line - 10 carries for 52 yards - may not have turned heads on its own, but Rawls focused on how the rookie carried himself snap to snap. He pointed to Price’s vision, his consistency, and the way he kept his shoulders squared while trusting what he saw. The part that stood out most to Rawls was how quickly Price got north-south without overthinking it.
Rawls also suggested the limited workload in Week 1 was more about the situation than any cap on Price’s ability. Seattle ran only 48 offensive plays, which naturally narrowed the rookie’s chances to pile up touches.
In Rawls’ view, the team is taking a deliberate, measured approach with a young back, and he said he trusts the Seahawks coaching and medical staff to handle the workload the right way. He expects the carries to rise as Price settles into a rhythm.
There is still plenty to monitor with the backfield picture, especially with Zach Charbonnet expected back in the next few weeks. That could affect how Price’s role develops.
Even so, Rawls put a number on what he thinks the rookie can produce over the course of the regular season: somewhere in the 800 to 1,000 yard range. More than the total yardage, though, he said he wants to see Price get work where it matters most near the goal line.
Rawls said, “I really want to see if he can get to double digit touchdowns.”
The conversation also touched on Rawls’ own breakout 2015 game after an injury to Marshawn Lynch, along with the Week 2 showdown between Price and Love. Rawls also said Seattle-area fans can catch him in person at Muckleshoot Casino in Auburn for the Cardinals road game on September 20.
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