12th Man Rising
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Seahawks need both Carson and Penny to dominate ground game

By Todd Vandenberg

SEATTLE, WA - OCTOBER 01: Running back Chris Carson #32 of the Seattle Seahawks rushes against Nate Hairston #27 of the Indianapolis Colts in the third quarter of the game at CenturyLink Field on October 1, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA - OCTOBER 01: Running back Chris Carson #32 of the Seattle Seahawks rushes against Nate Hairston #27 of the Indianapolis Colts in the third quarter of the game at CenturyLink Field on October 1, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images) /
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There has been so much talk about who will win the starting job at running back for the Seahawks, we’ve lost sight of the need for both men to excel.

I’m as guilty as anyone of the speculation about whether Chris Carson or Rashaad Penny will get the nod as the starting running back for the Seahawks. I’ve written that it will come down more to contact than a contract. I’ve written that it’s more important who finishes the season than who starts. Both are true, as far as they go. But I lost sight of a very obvious outcome. Both men can excel. In fact, that will be a major factor in Seattle’s success this season.

For those of you who play fantasy football, the phrase “running back by committee” is death. Actually that’s just a long painful illness. The phrase “Cleveland Browns Defense” is true death in fantasy football. But we’re not interested in fantasy outcomes, at least not today. We’re concerned with winning actual games.

The Philadelphia Eagles had the third best rushing attack in 2017. Their top rusher, LaGarrette Blount, gained just 766 yards. Their stats are a bit skewed, as Jay Ajayi didn’t arrive until midseason. Even though he became the defacto lead back, the most carries Ajayi got in one game was 18 in the NFC title game, and only averaged 12.5 carries per game. Blount still averaged seven carries per game after Ajayi took the lead role, and carried the rock 14 times in the Super Bowl. That doesn’t follow the stereotypical model of a lead back and a supporting cast.

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Seahawks have a great template to follow

New Orleans really played the committee game last year. The Saints – yes, the Drew Brees Saints – finished fifth in rushing with 2,070 yards. Mark Ingram had over 1,100 yards as he averaged 14.4 carries per game. Teammate Alvin Kamara added over 700 yards on the ground on 7.5 carries per game. Despite adding the multi-talented Pro Bowler Kamara, Ingram had the best season of his career. He had career highs in carries, yards, touchdowns, and receptions. As for Kamara, he added 826 yards on 81 receptions, and returned 11 kicks for a 31.5 yard average. Obviously two running backs can thrive in the same backfield.

Drew Brees passed for “just” 4,334 yards. That’s his fewest since 2005. However, he completed 72 percent of his passes, his highest rate ever. His eight interceptions were the second lowest of his starting career, and the lowest percentage (1.5) ever. He had his highest passer rating since 2013. Incidentally, the Saints had their first winning season since 2013 too.

Next: Chris Carson should start for week one

So when it comes to Carson or Penny winning the starting job, I’ve decided it doesn’t really matter who’s listed first on the depth chart. I see this playing out very much like Ingram and Kamara, or like the Atlanta Falcons with Davonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman. In the Seahawks case, I think it will play out like thunder and more thunder. Don’t forget Seattle has Mike Davis and J.D. McKissic to throw into the mix, too. The Seahawks ground game can crush it with this group.

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