Despite QB Questions, Seahawks Have Other Positives To Consider On Offense
As life after Russell Wilson begins in Seattle, a majority of the focus is naturally on the quarterback situation. During Organized Team Activities, the Seahawks will have a good chance to evaluate Drew Lock and see if he can make a true push for the starting job.
What is not widely being discussed, though, is that whoever starts at quarterback is going to have a heck of a supporting cast around them. While the Seahawks no longer have a top NFL quarterback on their roster, they may have the most promising offensive playmaking group of the Pete Carroll/John Schneider era – making this 2022 season perfect for multiple creative prop betting options.
Seahawks Do Have Potent Weaponry On Offense
The Running Backs
While much has to obviously be determined at the quarterback position, Carroll and Schneider have done an admirable job in assembling a collection of talent around the position. Many who have been analyzing the team have glossed over how potent the team is at running back and wide receiver.
There is a widespread narrative about the Seahawks’ offense that indicates Carroll wants to run the ball about 75% of the time. In reality, Carroll prefers a strong running game to set up timely downfield passing while establishing optimum offensive balance. The model Seahawks quarterback is not a game manager, but a wise decision-maker and efficient playmaker.
The Seahawks certainly have the makings of a formidable running game this season. Over the past few seasons, Carroll would have preferred to utilize Chris Carson and Rashaad Penny as a very effective duo. The thought process was to have Carson batter opponents with his physical running style, while Penny could challenge defenses on the perimeter and in the open field. The two were rarely healthy at the same time, so the vision never became a true reality. Carson seems to be a long shot to be in the mix this year as he turns 28 years old and is dealing with a neck injury.
Realistically, Penny is set to share a majority of the backfield work with exciting rookie Kenneth Walker III. And dare I say, if Penny stays healthy, the Seahawks may actually have one of the best running back duos in the league. Carroll could really take pressure off the quarterback and wear defenses down with two outstanding running backs.
Penny was one of the best running backs in the NFL down the stretch last season, and if he stays healthy, he will be a major threat again. He became a complete runner last year, retaining his big-play abilities and emerging as a more physical runner than ever before. He was also a pass-blocking asset.
I believe that Walker is the best pure runner from the 2022 NFL Draft class. He has superb vision, good patience, can make defenders miss, break tackles, and is shifty in short space. Walker also can take off for long gainers when he reaches the second level of defenders.
If Penny and Walker are able to pair together for much of the 2022 season, then the Seahawks could have one of the top running games in the NFL. While there is naturally a heavy spotlight on the quarterback position, the projected strength of the ground attack is a definite positive that cannot be overlooked.
The Pass-Catchers
With defenses more focused on limiting a prime running game, the pass-catchers could definitely benefit from this. We know DK Metcalf is going to draw a ton of defensive attention as the most proven superstar in the offense. If defenses also have to heavily honor the running game, Metcalf and the other receivers can benefit in their matchups.
It is an obvious plus for Lock or Smith to have a proven pair of star wide receivers in Metcalf and Tyler Lockett. This season, though, the wide receivers will have to help the quarterback more and work for their yardage after the catch. The trio of Metcalf, Lockett, and tight end Noah Fant, who was acquired through the Wilson trade, can conceivably elevate the level of play in the passing game. Lock or Smith can be distributors and lean on their pass-catchers to get the job done frequently.
Fant apparently is glad to be getting a new start with the Seahawks, and he has a lot of promise to become a major threat to defenses. He has the size to overmatch defensive backs, and the speed to challenge linebackers in coverage.
If second-year wide receiver D’Wayne Eskridge can make more significant contributions as a WR3, that will be another added bonus for the Seahawks’ offense. He does have the potential to contribute as a yardage after the catch type and jet sweep threat.
Yes, we all want to see how the quarterback situation plays out for the Seahawks. But the supporting cast around the position should stir some optimism for sure.