Expect Chris Carson to have a big day for the Seahawks

Chris Carson has had a tough go so far this season. Today he’ll turn that all around and have one of his best games for the Seahawks.

Chris Carson hasn’t had the best start to his season for the Seahawks by any definition. He’s averaging just 3.5 yards per carry after averaging 4.7 in 2018. He has just one touchdown, nearly half the rate he scored last year. Carson’s biggest issue has been fumbling the ball away. I think he’ll fix that issue and put on a show today against the Cardinals.

That’s not just the optimism of looking through action-green glasses talking, either. Let’s start with Arizona’s defense. They’re not particularly good against the pass, ranking 24th in passing yards allowed. That’s good news for Russell Wilson. Chris Carson gets even better news: the Cardinals rank 30th in rushing yards allowed. They rank 25th in average yards per carry, giving up 4.9 yards per attempt. Those are what I would call favorable conditions for a strong running game.

Carson played well against the Cardinals is his sole outing against them. One game is a small sample size to be sure, but this is another good sign for him. He ran for 122 yards on 19 carries, including a 61-yard burst, the longest run of his career so far. Carson ran very well against Arizona last year, and their defense looks no better this year.

As for Carson himself, he’s clearly overdue for a big game. That isn’t exactly sound reasoning for a big game, but he’s only had back-to-back games with less than four yards per carry once before. The return of Mike Iupati should help open running lanes for him as well. All signs point to good yardage for Carson.

As for the fumbling issue, the Seahawks are clearly showing their faith in him. I agree with Lee Vowell’s statement. Carson has to hold onto the ball, no matter how good he is or how much we like his game. His quarterback certainly appreciates Carson’s game. Russell Wilson made a point of coaching him on the mental aspect of the game. As Wilson told his running back, relayed to us by Bob Condotta for the Seattle Times:

"“I just kind of went up to him and said, ‘You know, some of the greatest running backs (like) Walter Payton fumbled, too,’’’ Wilson said. “He just kind of laughed and I said ‘It’s going to happen. Just realize you’re a great football player. Go for it.’’’"

Sure seems like sound advice to me. Carson needs to work on ball security, of course. But when your quarterback invokes the name of Walter Payton as an example, you listen. When a guy who “goes for it” as much as Russell Wilson advises you to do the same…well, go for it, Mr. Carson. I expect one of the best games of his career today. Just, hold that

ball all the way to the turf.