Ken Walker III Emerging as Superstar in Seattle's Backfield - Locked On Seahawks Podcast

Showcasing his elite explosiveness and playmaking ability as a runner and a receiver in a win over the Carolina Panthers, a more versatile Ken Walker III earned the first of what could be several weekly awards as he climbs to the upper echelon of NFL running backs for the Seattle Seahawks.

Corbin K. Smith | Sep 27, 2023

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Seattle Seahawks

After exploding through and around the Carolina Panthers as a runner and receiver in a 37-27 victory at Lumen Field, Ken Walker III became the first member of the Seattle Seahawks to win a weekly NFC award this season by nabbing Offensive Player of the Week honors.

Though Walker didn't reach the 100-yard mark as a rusher and has yet to do so in a game this season, he reeled in three passes for a career-best 59 yards, eclipsing 150 all-purpose yards and finding the end zone twice in the second half to help put away Carolina. According to Pro Football Focus, he forced seven missed tackles as a runner and receiver, creating his own running lanes with elite elusiveness and shiftiness in space.

Hosts Corbin Smith and Rob Rang revisit Walker's monster game for the Seahawks and where the dynamic second-year back has demonstrated improvement compared to his stellar rookie season, starting with a more decisive running approach and enhanced skill set as a pass catcher as well as pass protector.

Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) rushes for a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers during the third quarter at Lumen Field. — Ken Walker III earned his first Offensive Player of the Week award with a dominant all-around performance to help the Seahawks beat the Panthers / © Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Smith and Rang also break down how Seattle should try to slow down a talented New York Giants defensive front featuring Dexter Lawrence and Leonard Williams while examining five other crucial matchups to watch in Monday's prime time battle at Metlife Stadium, including Jamal Adams making his season debut with likely coverage matchups against standout tight end Darren Waller.

Check out in depth analysis on Walker's continued ascent and key matchups by tuning in to a new Locked On Seahawks!

Follow Corbin Smith on Twitter here, where he'll be sharing the latest news about the Seattle Seahawks and talking with fans.

Published Sep 27, 2023

CORBIN K. SMITH

Graduating from Manchester College in 2012, Smith began his professional career as a high school Economics teacher in Indianapolis and launched his own NFL website covering the Seahawks as a hobby. After teaching and coaching high school football for five years, he transitioned to a full-time sports reporter in 2017, writing for USA Today's Seahawks Wire while continuing to produce the Legion of 12 podcast. He joined the Arena Group in August 2018 and also currently hosts the daily Locked On Seahawks podcast with Rob Rang and Nick Lee. Away from his coverage of the Seahawks and the NFL, Smith dabbles in standup comedy, is a heavy metal enthusiast and previously performed as lead vocalist for a metal band, and enjoys distance running and weight lifting. A habitual commuter, he resides with his wife Natalia in Colorado and spends extensive time reporting from his second residence in the Pacific Northwest.