Post-season berth for Seahawks may rely on one player’s performance in ’18
Every Seahawks fan has rolled their eyes when the narrative about Marshawn Lynch departure and the ground game following suit. It is a common broadcasting call throughout a Seattle game.
Given this, a few Seattle players are in the conversation for Comeback Player of the Year. But the performance of one player can alter the season much more than others.
Seahawks running back Chris Carson
There is an adequate option at running back for Seattle. I believe it is Chris Carson. I do not know if this is reason is because no one else on the team took advantage of the opportunity in 2017. For example, the transition was not as beneficial as Spencer Ware’s injury for Kansas City and Kareem Hunt.
Or, it is because Carson was third on the team in rushing (208 yards), only behind Mike Davis (240 yards) and quarterback Russell Wilson (586 yards). In addition, he led Seattle running backs in average yards per carry. One thing to remember, the rookie was injured Week 4.
In order for the Seahawks to develop an identity throughout 2018, Carson needs to implement himself in the discussion for Comeback Player of the Year. If this happens, Seattle will vie for a playoff spot once again in December.
Comeback Player of the Year
This award typically is given to a player who exude excellence on and off the field. They have adversity due to injury or illness and came back to perform at their best. The Seahawks had a viable candidate last season with free safety Earl Thomas. In 2018, there are quite a few options who could claim the award for Seattle, including secondary members Kam Chancellor and Richard Sherman as well as defensive end Cliff Avril.
But on the opposite side of the ball is where Seattle has to see results from one position and one person in order to return to championship contenders.
Seahawks Offense
A difficult element of the 2017 Seahawks was the inability to run the football. Any offensive scheme wants to have a ground game, in order to set up play-action. It is a basic strategy, but Seattle put on a dreadful display with this each week.
For this reason, quarterback Russell Wilson shines as a premier dual-threat signal caller in the National Football League. Ultimately, the 2017 season wore down one of the games best, due to the random and inconsistent play-calling and rushing attack. As a professional offensive football player, there should never be an “open-sesame” moment in a game, unfortunately Wilson was tasked with this kind of play every game.
How can this change for the Seahawks
Considering Chris Carson may be the lead back heading into training camp, here is a little dose of Carson.
Related Story: Trade Earl Thomas? Maybe. But for what?
Here is glimpse of the 2017 seventh-rounder from Oklahoma State might do in 2018.
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