The Seattle Seahawks managed to get by despite losing Sam Darnold just one drive into the game. Week 1 was a testament to this team's grit, mental fortitude, and determination to take care of business. And a testament to how prepared backup QB Drew Lock was to take over if Darnold got hurt. Still, Seattle is probably going to need less Lock and more Jadarian Price in Week 2.
Even with some high points, there were also some obvious areas for improvement in Week 1. That's especially the case with Brian Fleury's apparent reluctance to establish the run, especially with a backup quarterback on the field.
Given how efficient and crafty Jadarian Price looked, he should be the offense's focal point in Week 2 versus the Arizona Cardinals. The Seahawks spoon-fed him after he didn't play in the preseason, but it's time to cut him loose.
The Seattle Seahawks need to use Jadarian Price
There was a point in the game when the rookie out of Notre Dame was averaging well over six yards per carry. Even so, he finished his debut with a modest 52 rushing yards, though he did that on just ten totes (5.2 yards per carry). He also hauled in both of his targets for six receiving yards.
This approach made sense to a degree, but this team must be flexible when circumstances change. They didn't want to put that much on his plate, and they have plenty of confidence in George Holani, but with all due respect to the veteran, Price was a first-round pick for a reason.
There's no reason to ask Drew Lock to do more than what he can do. He's a good backup, but a backup nonetheless, and establishing the run will be the easiest way to take pressure off his shoulders and keep the chains in motion in Darnold's absence.
It made sense to keep Price on a short leash while he got a full grasp of the playbook and the speed of the pro game, but he looked far ahead of schedule and ready to do much more. Also, even if that weren't the case, they have to let him grow through his mistakes.
The Cardinals did a solid job against the run in Week 1, holding Omarion Hampton to 3.6 yards per carry on 12 attempts. That said, the negative game script didn't help Mike McDaniel's offense either, as they trailed for the entire game and had to abandon the run to a degree.
Mike LaFleur's team might pose a bigger threat than initially thought, though Week 1 is pretty much an extension of the preseason. Price's tape, however, shows that he's no fluke and that the buzz coming out of training camp was well-justified.
Holani should continue to have a role, of course, mainly on passing downs and perhaps even in goal-line situations. But with this offensive line and Price's ability to turn the corner, there's no reason not to let him roam free with twice as many carries in Week 2.
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