Seattle Seahawks fans can forget about any RB1 battle. Based on the last two seasons and how training camp was going, many might have wanted Zach Charbonnet to be the team's starting running back. Seattle wisely stuck with Kenneth Walker III.
To be sure, Walker has had an inconsistent season through six games, but that stems more from the Seahawks' inconsistent run-blocking. When it comes to pass protection, the offensive line is much better overall. For Seattle to make a run at the postseason, that should change.
Potentially, so should offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak's penchant for having different drives feature different backs. Walker could be gaining a bit of momentum, but then the next drive might belong solely to Charbonnet. Instead of alternating plays, the Seahawks alternate drives.
Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak talks Kenneth Walker III
In theory, this makes sense. The team hopes to keep its running backs fresh by resting them at certain points in any given game. The issue is that the practice can lead to the offense stuttering at times. Each back needs to equal the performance of the other.
Walker, though, has been the much better running back through six games. He is averaging 4.7 yards per carry to Charbonnet's 2.6, and Walker has 208 more yards rushing than RB2, even though he only has 18 more carries than Charbonnet.
Could a change of philosophy happen, and Kubiak begin calling a lot more running plays for Walker than the other backs on the roster? Possibly. Kubiak appeared to make clear this week when speaking to the media that beginning in Week 7, the run game might belong to Walker.
The offensive coordinator said, "(Walker has) certainly earned more (carries). That’s something that we want, to keep giving him more opportunities. He’s doing a heck of a job, but don’t want to discount Zach and don’t want to discount George (Holani); those are really good backs."
Of course, that could all be coach-speak. It isn't like Kubiak and head coach Mike Macdonald are going to spell out exactly what will happen before any game. No coaching staff would do that. To do so only helps the other team.
Still, from Seattle Seahawks fans to opposing teams' defensive coordinators, everyone can see that Kenneth Walker III has had by far the best season of any Seattle running back. He does deserve to get the ball more. That only helps the offensive efficiency.
As good as Seattle's Week 7 opponent, the Houston Texans, is defensively, the Seahawks' offense is going to have to be versatile and productive. Quarterback Sam Darnold and wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba cannot win the game on their own. They will need Walker to be good, too.