Seattle Seahawks: 5 takeaways from loss versus Rams week 10
By Jake Luppino
Chris Carson’s absence has been felt
The Seahawks are desperately missing Chris Carson. I know Hyde has also been injured, but Carson is the lead back. When he is available, this whole offense flows differently. I know this season has been all about Russ cooking, but Carson is earning himself a new contract. In his contract year, Carson has been more effective as a pass-catcher and is a physical runner that fits Seattle’s style.
In the first two months of the season when Carson was fully healthy, the Seahawks were able to take some pressure off of Wilson with the rushing attack. While they have strayed away from the run game more in an attempt to Let Russ Cook, Carson has still been effective when called upon. In the last two games for the Seahawks, the opposing defense didn’t have to fear the run game. While Alex Collins is a hard runner and DeeJay Dallas has earned his spot on the roster, the defenses were able to focus on the deep ball.
The Seahawks are known for their big-time plays down the field and we have seen heavy shadowing over the top in the last two weeks. A large reason the Rams were able to rush four and get home yesterday was because of the great secondary coverage. When Chris Carson is available, you have to be more aggressive upfront. If not, he will just barrel his way down the field.
The good news is that one source claims Carson will be ready to go Thursday Night.
Seahawks’ RB Chris Carson, ruled out for Sunday vs. Rams due to his foot injury, has an excellent chance to return next week for a home game against the Cardinals. “Absolutely,” said one source when asked if Carson would return next week.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 15, 2020
Since the Seahawks have a short week coming up in yet another huge divisional game, I think they wanted to save Carson rather than rushing him back.
If Carson is indeed ready to go on Thursday Night, some pressure will be taken off Wilson and this Seattle offense will be able to get back to normal. They have the highest-scoring offense in the league for a reason. D.K. Metcalf and Tyler Lockett have proven they are one of the better WR duos in the NFL. But, don’t discount the effect that Carson has on this offense. It has been obvious in these last weeks.