The Seattle Seahawks got off to a bit of a bumpy start as they lost to the San Francisco 49ers in Week 1, but since then, the offense has mostly looked a lot more like what offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak said it would. It still needs to get better, though.
Quarterback Sam Darnold is spreading the ball around much more in the last two games, though clearly wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba is always going to be the top target. Veteran Cooper Kupp has been sharper, and rookie Tory Horton had a breakout performance in Week 3.
But one aspect must be better, and that is the run game. The issue might be that while Seattle has two promising running backs, they don't seem to work the same in the scheme. Kenneth Walker, for instance, is speedy enough to run wide and be effective. Zach Charbonnet doesn't do that.
Seattle Seahawks still struggling to run the ball under offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak
Through three games, the Seahawks rank 28th in the NFL by averaging 3.3 yards per carry. Seattle is 22nd in yards rushing per game with 96, but that is mostly due to the team rushing for 117 yards in Week 2.
While the offensive line appears somewhat improved, that improvement is with the pass protection, not the run-blocking. Seattle is struggling far too much in that facet. Kubiak is blaming himself for the issue.
Speaking with reporters on Tuesday, new OC Kubiak answered when asked about the Seahawks' inconsistent run game, "We’ve got to be more detailed. Starts with me."
He might be taking the blame simply because that is what leaders should do, but the problem isn't entirely his fault. The offensive line has to do a better job of execution. After 12s were told the running game would be more impactful and more productive, it hasn't been.
In 2024, Seattle averaged 4.2 yards per carry and 95.7 yards per game. In other words, there has been no change. That is affecting the productivity of the offense overall. While the Seahawks scored 44 points against the hapless New Orleans Saints, one touchdown was a punt return, one offensive touchdown came after a blocked punt, and Jason Myers made a 56-yard field goal.
Sure, it takes a team to have a successful season, and Week 3's destruction of the Saints was a well-rounded effort, but no team can count on that every game. At some point, the Seattle Seahawks are going to have to win a game or three by running the ball, but so far, there is no proof they can do that.
Next up for Seattle are the Arizona Cardinals. Through three games, Arizona has only allowed 76.3 yards rushing per game, fourth-least in the league. But if the Seahawks can somehow find a way to be successful against the Cardinals, the rest of the season might be much better for Walker and Charbonnet.