Three players from 2021 the Seahawks will miss most in 2022
By Lee Vowell
Number 2: Former Seahawks running back Adrian Peterson
Might seem like a strange choice, right? But it isn’t the production of Peterson that the Seahawks will miss; It’s Peterson’s influence in the running back room. Plus, Peterson could likely be a player/coach for 2022 draftee Ken Walker and show him how to handle himself in the locker room and on the field.
Doubt that? Then let me offer the numerous articles citing first-hand knowledge that when Peterson joined the team midway through 2021, he had an incredible impression on Rashaad Penny. Pre-Peterson’s arrival, Penny couldn’t stay healthy and didn’t even seem to have a clue as to how to stay on the field.
Post-Peterson arrival, Penny suddenly would come up limping after a tackle but not leave the game, stay in and consistently rush for over 100 yards a game. My greatest concern about Penny, who will be productive if he stays healthy because of the extreme talent that he proved he had in the last five games of 2021, is that he no longer has Peterson pushing him on staying in the game and how to overcome nagging injuries.
I wish that Peterson was back with the team but not even as a running back. Seattle could hire Peterson as a running backs coach because while Peterson was physically imposing as a young player, he also was a smart one on the field. That knowledge of how to play and what to do will still be needed for Penny and would be great for Walker to learn.