Despite a shocking 34-17 defeat to the Chicago Bears this week, the Seattle Seahawks got some much-needed help in their run game after Zach Charbonnet and Jadarian Price returned to the field.
Charbonnet had not played a game since last year's playoffs, and Price has struggled with injuries this season, missing Seattle's last four games. In their absence, Emanuel Wilson did his best to hold down the fort, and generally speaking, he came through. Still, in the bigger picture, the Seahawks' offense has been significantly hurt by a lack of a rushing attack since Week 1.
Nothing changed in Week 8 against the Bears, despite Charbonnet's and Price's returns, and that's concerning, especially given Sam Darnold's play this season. The Seahawks need a successful run game this season, but there is good reason not to bet on a complete offensive solution, even with their two running backs back.
The Seattle Seahawks' offensive problems go beyond their lacking rushing attack
The Seahawks likely hoped for an offensive spark after welcoming back Charbonnet and Price on Monday night. Instead, what they got was 52 rushing yards between the two, and 73 yards on the ground combined from all rushers, including 20 yards from Darnold.
Maybe the spark will come in Week 9 or a week after that, because in both players' defense, they just returned from injury, and Charbonnet's time away was lengthy. That said, it still wasn't a positive performance, and this was the type of game that a successful rushing attack could have benefited the Seahawks.
Seattle better hope that over the next two weeks, both Charbonnet and Price contribute more in the run game, because the trade chatter around the Seahawks this week is running back-related. Seattle has been rumoured to be in the running back market, and with Jonathan Taylor of the Indianapolis Colts receiving a ton of interest, it makes sense that the Seahawks are involved.
If the Seahawks make a move at that position, it would have to be a significant improvement from who they have now. Using a draft pick on Price in hopes that he becomes their franchise back for years to come could complicate things, though. If Seattle trusts Price to develop in great strides this season, they may back off any trade pursuit.
That said, today is today, and today the Seahawks' run game is far below expectations, and Charbonnet may not return to last year's form, or Price may not develop due to further injuries.
Either scenario could significantly hurt the Seahawks' season, so if the team or its front office is betting on Charbonnet or Price to save their offense, it may be a fool's errand.
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