Studs and duds from the Seahawks' Week 2 win against the Patriots
By Almar Reyes
Dud - Seahawks running game
The absence of starting running back Kenneth Walker III in Week 2 was a significant blow to the Seattle Seahawks offense, as they struggled to get anything going on the ground against a formidable New England Patriots run defense. Without their dynamic workhorse, Seattle’s rushing attack was nearly nonexistent, totaling just 46 rushing yards in the entire game.
For a team that prides itself on balancing the offense with a strong run game, this lack of production was alarming. If the Seahawks hope to sustain their early-season success and keep winning, improving the ground game is an absolute necessity.
Walker, who had a standout rookie season, is a crucial part of the Seahawks’ offensive identity. His combination of speed, vision, and toughness makes him a threat to break off big runs, keeping defenses on their heels. In his absence, Seattle turned to their other running back, Zach Charbonnet but was not able to fill the void. Charbonnet, a second-round pick with high expectations, managed just 38 rushing yards on fourteen carries. Those numbers simply aren’t enough to support a consistent offensive attack, especially against a defense as disciplined as New England’s.
The lack of a running game not only hurt Seattle’s ability to control the clock but also put extra pressure on quarterback Geno Smith to carry the offense. With no ground threat to keep the defense honest, the Patriots were able to focus more on disrupting the passing game, which led to Smith facing constant pressure and forcing him to make quick decisions. While Smith ultimately led the team to an overtime victory, the offense was far from smooth, and the absence of Walker was a glaring issue throughout the game.
Moving forward, the Seahawks must find a way to be more effective on the ground, especially if Walker is forced to miss additional time. Establishing a running game is critical for keeping the offense balanced and preventing defenses from keying in on Smith and the passing attack. Whether it’s getting Charbonnet more involved or adjusting their blocking schemes, Seattle has to address this issue quickly.