Seahawks RB Kenneth Walker III Named NFC Offensive Player of The Week

A big part of the Seattle Seahawks 37-27 win on Sunday was running back Kenneth Walker III, who, along with fellow back Zach Charbonnet, combined for 143 rushing yards.

A big part of the Seattle Seahawks 37-27 win on Sunday over the Carolina Panthers was running back Kenneth Walker III, who, along with fellow back Zach Charbonnet, combined for 143 rushing yards. 

That rushing performance helped the Seahawks to a 2-1 record and has now garnered Walker nationwide recognition as the NFC Offensive Player of the Week for Week 3.

"Really, Kenny and Zach, they were really on it," Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said after the win. "They're so different and uniquely different. I loved seeing Zach show himself today and show you how tough he is and how explosive he can be, great asset for us. So that was a really good part of our day.

"Thrilled about that, the commitment to it. You could see our style from our two guys. Like I said, they're much different, uniquely different, but man, they've both got explosions in them … I'm really fired up about those two guys."

Both backs contributed, but Walker had the biggest day with 97 yards on 17 carries and two touchdowns to go along with three receptions for 59 yards through the air.

Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) celebrates after rushing for a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers during the fourth quarter at Lumen Field / Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Walker is the first Seahawks running back to win Player of the Week since Rashaad Penny in 2021, and just the third since 2000 with Shaun Alexander.

The Seattle offense leaned on the running game on Sunday - especially in the second half after a slow start - that ignited the crowd and Lumen Field and caused problems for the Panthers.

“It felt like what it feels like to be here. That was a thrill,” Carroll said.

Walker produced big plays both on the ground and through the air. A 36-yard catch midway through the third quarter set up his one-yard touchdown run for Seattle's first visit to the end zone after field goals were all the Seahawks could muster up to that point.

The Seahawks clash with the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on Monday Night in front of a national audience.