Last Wednesday I went over the offensive line and now a look at the running backs. We are hoping that both positions will be improved over last season since the Seahawks primarily didn't have a running game. Actually I believe the problem had to do with the line though Chris Carson had a good season in limited action in only four games before being injured. He was picked in the seventh round in 2017 and still showed a lot of promise. In his limited action he had 49 carries for 208 yards at an average of 4.2 yards. Unfortunately he didn't get into the end zone for a touch down. Eddie Lacy who the Seahawks signed as a free agent last year had sixty-nine carries in only nine games for 179 yards for an average of 2.6. He had fewer yards in more games than Carson. Thomas Rawls who was to share the load with Lacy played in twelve games but had only 157 yards on 58 carries for 2.7 average. For those to be the main two running backs showed how disappointing season it was.
So the Seahawks decided to go out and draft a running back in the first round in Rashaad Penny with the 27th pick out of San Diego State. This was only the third time in the history of the Seahawks that they drafted a running in the first round. The previous were Curt Warner and Shawn Alexander. Penny is considered a back that could be on all three downs since he is a good pass catcher. Also he may be on special teams running back kick offense. Another running back Mike Davis could see action. He spent most of last season on practice squad but did see some action late in the season that the Seahawks liked to bring him back for another try. Though Penny will likely be the starter Carson and Davis should see a lot of action to depending on how Penny does. Returning as third down specialists are C.J. Prosise and J. D. McKissic who actually was in more games than any other running back on the Seahawks and he averaged 4.1 yards per carry however he isn't recognized as someone who could be an every down running back. If Prosise can stay healthy since he has had the problem since being drafted by the Seahawks and McKissic both performing well they may keep five running backs. These two could keep the Seahawks from having another receiver on the team since both were ones in college and could set up outside to. This all could be decided by whether the Seahawks decide to keep a fullback or two or not as well. The main candidates at fullback are Tre Madden who played in eight games last year for the Seahawks though had no carries and caught only two passes. The other candidate is Jalston Fowler who the Seahawks signed as a free agent. If either one makes the team they will be used primarily for blocking though could catch the ball out of the backfield. The Seahawks could use one of their tight ends in the backfield as well.
The Seahawks should have a successful season long as Penny, Carson, and Davis have a good season. Again a lot of that depends on the offensive line. This could be a long season if none of them has a good season. Without a good running game the Seahawks might only win eight games at best unless Russell Wilson can pull some tricks. A good running game will help Wilson not having to scramble so much and make the passing game more honest as well. Next time be looking at the wide receiver position. Go Hawks!
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