It’s time for Eddie Lacy to step up into full Hulk mode for the Seahawks

Eddie Lacy has to perform in full Hulk mode against the Vikings tonight, or the Seahawks could be in for some trouble this season.

Calm down, 12s. This is not a gloom and doom article. I’m well aware we are only approaching the second preseason game. Nonetheless, there are hints that the vaunted depth at running back for the Seahawks may not be that – well, deep. Thomas Rawls is being held out of tonight’s game because of a minor ankle issue, as reported by the Seattle Times‘ Bob Condotta:

This puts Eddie Lacy in to the starting role for tonight. No problem there. Most observers expect Lacy to win the starting role, or at the least a full time share with Rawls. So it isn’t as if Lacy is being pressed into duty here. He should get the start anyway to see what he can do behind this offensive line and at this playing weight.

But, it is a bit worrisome that we haven’t even reached the second preseason game and Thomas Rawls has to sit this one out. Right, if this was regular season, he’d play. I’m well aware of that. I’m also know that we have other backs available. I think C.J. Prosise is capable of much more than just a third down specialist. As for Chris Carson, he has the talent and drive to be the man. He showed what he can do against the Chargers last week.

Lacy has to go Hulk Mode tonight

My concern is that Lacy didn’t look particularly quick in that game. Yes, four carries is a ridiculously small sample size. I’m not too worried about how he’ll play tonight. I believe that Lacy will run well behind the revamped Seahawks line tonight. Well, at least better than last week. And he should certainly get more touches than he did versus the Chargers. Last year the Vikings were in the middle of the pack versus the run. They allowed 4.2 yards per carry, although they were very stingy at the goal line. Of course they aim to improve on that performance, just as the Seahawks aim to improve on the performance of the offensive line. Regardless, Lacy has to come through tonight. He has to hit whatever holes he gets and drive through tacklers.

In short, you can’t be out there selling Hulk Mode gear unless you play in Hulk Mode.

Now if Lacy plays like he did last week it isn’t the end of the world. Nor the end of the Seahawks season, by any means. Rawls should be fine. Key word is “should”, of course. Prosise can certainly be a three down back. Carson will prove to be just as capable by the start of the regular season. But with four guys (if not five) who can switch out, how much better will our offense be? Each man has different skills to give opposing defenses different looks. How strong will the Seahawks running attack be in the fourth quarter when everyone is still fresh?

Lacy is the key to making this running back rotation work. He has to show he’s still got it, and tonight is the night to do it.