Five things the Seahawks should be thankful for in 2018

Reason number 3: Seattle’s backfield is loaded this year and for the next few

Speaking of Carson, the Seahawks have a running back room that is nearly full of the backs that Pete Carroll likes. Not only did Seattle make an effort this offseason to get back to running the ball a lot more, they have actually done it. And been good at it.

Seattle currently leads the NFL in rushing yards per game. For a team with an extremely young defense, and one that has limitations beyond that, Seattle needed an offense that could eat clock. Seattle in 2018 does that.

And not only is Carson a very good back, he has help. First-round draft pick Rashaad Penny started off slowly, but has done well over the last two games. That includes him gaining more than 100 yards against the Rams in week 10.

Better yet, Carson and Penny are in Seattle for the next two seasons beyond this year at least. Seattle’s offense is going to be just fine.

Reason number 2: Pete Carroll is still the coach in Seattle

Pete Carroll may at times make some maddening decisions, like allowing Seattle to throw the ball from the one-yard line in the Super Bowl against the Patriots. But over the last nine years, would the Seahawks have been as successful as they have been with nearly any other football coach? No.

Carroll has gone 84-53-1 in his time in Seattle. The Seahawks won the franchise’s only Super Bowl. Seattle has missed the playoffs just twice in his nine seasons. And maybe they will this year as well, but they also may not.

And would many other coaches have the 2018 Seahawks near the playoffs 10 games into the season? Again, no.