Is Chris Carson a legitimate case for Seahawks’starting running back?
By Luke Allen
Thus far, the most promising player in the Seahawks preseason has been seventh round pick Chris Carson.
In the Seahawks’ first two preseason games, Chris Carson looks quick, strong, decisive and hits the hole hard.
Watching him run is reminiscent of watching Thomas Rawls in the preseason of his rookie year in 2015. Rawls ended up taking the starting role when Marshawn Lynch went down with injury and looked great.
With Rawls and C.J. Prosise seeming to be made of glass, and Lacy looking not-so-quick, could Chris Carson legitimately be the answer at running back for the Seattle Seahawks?
It has been absolutely refreshing to see a running back wearing Seahawks colors run the ball so well. His stats may not reflect it, but he has an impressive elusiveness and power combination to his game we haven’t seen since a guy named Lynch toted the rock for the Hawks.
Is this just a flash in the pan or is he the real deal?
So far, we’ve only seen him carry the ball against backup defenses and a few against vanilla first-teams. If I’m Pete Carroll (sadly, I’m not), I would let Chris Carson run with the first-team against Kansas City this Friday night. I’d love to see how he fares running at a strong defense behind a not-so-strong offensive line.
I may be getting ahead of myself, and Thomas Rawls and Eddie Lacy may be the featured backs in 2017. I want Thomas Rawls to succeed. Plus, I also want Eddie Lacy to succeed. I hope they both rush for 1,000 yards each.
However, Rawls can’t seem to stay healthy and Lacy doesn’t look great so far. Realistically, those two will not be able to carry the load for the entire year. This is where Chris Carson comes in.
Carson hasn’t fumbled in an insane amount of games. He hasn’t been injured at all thus far this offseason (knock on wood). Carson looks great catching passes from the backfield. He hits holes hard, runs fast, and makes guys miss; he fits the Seahawks’ mold like a glove.
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I believe the Seahawks have great depth at the running back position. I’m not Nostradamus, and I can’t tell whether Rawls or Lacy or Prosise will be available this season.
All I know is Chris Carson looks good and he deserves a chance.