Daniel Jeremiah sees a very specific problem hanging over the Seattle Seahawks’ offense: the run game just hasn’t been explosive enough.
Seattle’s offensive issues have been blamed most loudly on turnovers, but the ground game has been just as damaging. The Seahawks rank 18th in the NFL in yards per carry at 3.9 and sit 30th in EPA per rush, according to Sumer Sports.
That was the focus of Jeremiah’s weekly conversation with Seattle Sports’ Brock and Salk on Tuesday, when the NFL Network analyst said the lack of burst in the run game makes everything harder for the quarterback.
“It makes life a lot easier as the quarterback when you have a lot more of those explosive runs and you find yourself in so many favorable down and distances,” Jeremiah said.
Jeremiah pointed directly to Seattle’s injury-hit backfield. Rookie first-round pick Jadarian Price has shown some juice, averaging 4.3 yards per carry with an explosive run rate of 17.9%, including five 10-yard gains on 28 carries. But he has missed the past three games after landing on injured reserve with a chest injury, leaving Emanuel Wilson and George Holani to carry the load.
Wilson has averaged 3.5 yards per carry with a 6.9% explosive run rate. Holani’s numbers have been even quieter, at 3.1 yards per carry and a 3.2% explosive run rate.
“I think there (has been) more meat on the bone there for the backs, so I would put more of (the blame) on the backs than I would on scheme or how you’re blocking with your tight ends and your offensive line,” Jeremiah said. “And then (even) some of their 5-yard runs, you’re looking at it going, man, there was a little more there. … There’s some 4 or 5-yard runs that could have been 20 or 25-yard runs.”
There is at least some relief on the horizon. Zach Charbonnet, who has missed the start of the season while returning from February knee surgery, has a chance to be back Sunday night against the Kansas City Chiefs. Price is also eligible to come off IR as soon as next week.
Jeremiah believes those returns could change the conversation around Seattle’s offense.
“That’s why I wasn’t worried about this offense coming into the year, because with Charbonnet … and Price, who I liked coming through the draft, I’m like, OK, that combination can work,” Jeremiah said. “They can share the load. They’re going to be fresh.
“We haven’t seen either one of them here as of late, so then the hill is much steeper when you compare it to where they were last year when they had a healthy (Kenneth Walker III) and a healthy Charbonnet. To where they have been these last few weeks, that’s a tremendous drop-off.”
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Seahawks May Finally Get The Backfield Boost They Need Most
Zach Charbonnet is closing in on a season debut, and for a Seahawks offense that has been searching for more traction on the ground, the timing could hardly be better. After recovering from a torn ACL, the running back was designated to return to practice on Oct. 1, and Mike Macdonald said there is a good chance he could be back in Week 7 against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Seattle has needed a lift in its running game, and Charbonnets return would add a familiar piece to the backfield at a moment when the team could use one. The final step is whether he gets through the week and onto the field, but the possibility alone gives the Seahawks a different look as they head into a tough matchup. [Read more 🡒]
Seahawks Trade Deadline Debate Starts With One Urgent Roster Question
Before the Seahawks make any real push toward the trade deadline, the conversation has to start with the middle of the offensive line. Seattle has been linked in recent days to a few big names, including Colts guard Quenton Nelson, Chargers edge rusher Khalil Mack and running backs Jonathan Taylor and Saquon Barkley, but the clearest case may be on the interior. Nelson is drawing attention not just because of his talent, but because his contract situation and fit make him the kind of move that could actually address an obvious need without forcing the club into a long-term gamble.
The Seahawks also have some help on the way in the backfield, with Zach Charbonnet and Jadarian Price expected back from injury. That makes a running back splash less urgent, and it helps explain why Nelson looks like the cleaner fit if Seattle chooses to spend. The teams general manager has also shown a willingness to trade for players on expiring deals and work out new contracts later, which keeps the door open for a deadline move even if the details are still very much in flux. [Read more 🡒]
Bengals Suddenly Linked To A Move That Could Change Their Offense
Jonathan Taylor has suddenly become one of the more interesting names to watch as the trade market starts to take shape around a Colts team that has already slid to 2-4 and is trying to sort out its future. Indianapolis recently fired general manager Chris Ballard, and the front office picture is only getting messier with reports that Peyton Manning could be in the mix as a replacement. Against that backdrop, it is no surprise that teams looking to strengthen their offense are checking in.
The Bengals are one of the clubs linked to Taylor, and the Seahawks have also reportedly inquired, which tells you how much attention a proven running back can draw when a season starts to wobble. For Seattle, it is the kind of phone call that fits a bigger search for answers on offense, even if nothing is settled yet. The real question now is whether Indianapolis is willing to listen seriously, or whether this is just the first wave of interest before the market gets even busier. [Read more 🡒]