Studs and duds from the Seahawks' Week 5 loss to the Giants

DUD - Seahawks ineffective run game

The Seattle Seahawks have long been known for their ground-and-pound style of football, building a reputation as a physical team that dominates in the run game. Even with the arrival of new head coach Mike Macdonald, the philosophy of using the run to set up the pass has remained a cornerstone of the Seahawks’ offensive approach.

The duo of Kenneth Walker III and rookie Zach Charbonnet was expected to form a formidable one-two punch in the backfield this season, supporting quarterback Geno Smith and his talented group of wide receivers. However, in their Week 5 matchup against the New York Giants, the Seahawks' running game sputtered in surprising fashion.

In a game where the Seahawks needed balance, it was Smith—not Walker or Charbonnet—who led the team in rushing. Smith’s 72 rushing yards outpaced both of his running backs, highlighting the struggles Seattle had in establishing a consistent ground attack. Walker, who had just come back from injury last week, was limited to just 19 yards on five carries, while Charbonnet managed only 11 yards on two attempts.

The Giants’ defense seemed to have a read on Seattle’s rushing plays, frequently stopping Walker and Charbonnet at or near the line of scrimmage, forcing Smith into situations where he had to rely on his legs to extend plays.

This lack of production from the backfield raised significant concerns, especially given the Seahawks' reliance on the run game to open up the field for their passing attack. When the run is ineffective, opposing defenses can focus more on shutting down the passing lanes for Smith and his wideouts like DK Metcalf and Jaxon Smith-Njigba. With Smith being forced to scramble for yardage, it became clear that the offense wasn’t functioning the way it was designed to.

If the Seahawks are to regain their early-season success, they will need Walker and Charbonnet to return to form and provide the balance this offense thrives on. While Smith’s mobility is a valuable asset, the Seahawks can’t afford to have him outproducing his running backs on the ground. Macdonald and his coaching staff will need to address these issues in the coming weeks to restore the team’s offensive identity and keep their playoff hopes alive.