The Seahawks may have the best running back group in the NFC West
By Lee Vowell
The Seahawks may have the best group of running backs in the NFC West. Here is a ranking from best to worst of the division.
The Seahawks led the NFL in rushing in 2018. A huge reason for this was the athletic ability of Chris Carson and company. Sure, the offensive line was definitely improved in Seattle last season. But Carson got a lot of his yards after first contact, meaning Seattle would not have led the league in rushing yards if they didn’t have great talent in the backfield.
RB leaders in YAC/att from @PFF (Min 100 atts):
— Brad Evans (@NoisyHuevos) December 27, 2018
1) Nick Chubb (4.52)
2) Derrick Henry (4.37)
3) Royce Freeman (3.43)
4t) Kareem Hunt (3.35)
4t) Saquon Barkley (3.35)
6t) Kerryon Johnson (3.32)
6t) Chris Carson (3.32)
8t) Gus Edwards (3.29)
8t) Frank Gore (3.29)
Carson will lead the way again for Seattle in 2019. His number two will be Rashaad Penny. Last year, Seattle’s second leading rusher was Mike Davis. Davis was lost to free agency this offseason. Penny will need to be very good in his second season replacing Davis because Davis was really good for the Seahawks in 2018.
Where does Seattle’s running back group rank in the NFC West? Here is my best guess.
Worst of the division – Arizona Cardinals
Starter: David Johnson
Key backups: Chase Edmonds, T.J. Logan
To be honest, there isn’t really a bad running back group in the NFC West. I have the Cardinals as the worst but that is only because the other teams are loaded at the position. Johnson was great in 2016 but then was injured in the first game of 2017 and was not nearly the same player in 2018 as he was in 2016. This could be because the Cardinals offense overall was terrible. Under new coach Kliff Kingsbury Johnson might get a lot more receptions out of the backfield enhancing his effectiveness.
Third best of the division – Los Angeles Rams
Starter: Todd Gurley
Key backups: Malcolm Brown, Justin Davis
I told you this division was loaded at running back. The Rams have Todd Gurley and some quality depth. But the Seahawks and 49ers have more overall quality. Los Angeles might really miss C.J. Anderson who filled in amazingly well at the end of 2018 when Gurley appeared to get injured. Anderson left in free agency and signed with the Lions.
Second best of the division – Seattle Seahawks
Starter: Chris Carson
Key backups: Rashaad Penny, J.D. McKissic
Chris Carson had 33 explosive runs last season, the fourth-most among RBs pic.twitter.com/Mw19R7aPFk
— PFF Fantasy Football (@PFF_Fantasy) May 26, 2019
I think Penny has a really good 2019. He needed to learn to find a way to overcome injuries in his rookie season and get acclimated to the speed of the NFL. We will see if he did this season. But he has the raw ability to be very good. Carson, of course, runs strong and hates being tackled. The biggest question is who will be the number three back in Seattle. I am betting on McKissic.
Best of the division – San Francisco 49ers
Starter: Tevin Coleman
Key backups: Matt Breida, Jerick McKinnon, Kyle Juszczyk
Next. 4 Seahawks that must improve in 2019. dark
The 49ers are absolutely bursting with quality at running back. When healthy, they have three guys who could start and be very good in Coleman, Breida and McKinnon. Juszczyk is a fullback that Seattle would love to have. While every running back group in the NFC West is solid, the 49ers are a bit better than the rest. Of course, if Rashaad Penny blows up for the Seahawks this season, though, Seattle could be the best of the bunch.