Seahawks RBs 'Solid One-Two Punch' For Coach Ryan Grubb

The Seattle Seahawks have a young and potent running back room with Kenneth Walker and Zach Charbonnet, but just how Ryan Grubb utilizes them is a fascinating watch.

The Seattle Seahawks rushing attack didn't hit the heights of 2022 this past season, as the offense struggled with consistency.

Second-year running back Kenneth Walker couldn't replicate his rookie season efforts where he rushed for over 1,000 yards and nine touchdowns, but he was still more than serviceable in 2023 (905 yards, eight touchdowns).

As for rookie Zach Charbonnet, in his limited opportunities, he rushed for 462 yards and averaged a solid 4.3 yards per carry while impressing in spurts.

Now, as the duo embark on their second season as a tandem in the Seahawks backfield, new offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb has his work cut out to get both involved in his scheme. 

Dec 18, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) rushes against the Philadelphia Eagles during the fourth quarter at Lumen Field / Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

But based on NFL.com’s recent thoughts on the Seattle running back room, Grubb might not have much trouble getting his talented running backs adjusted into the new scheme. 

“Walker and Charbonnet form a solid one-two punch,” NFL.com writes. “Both being on rookie contracts makes things easier as the club breaks in a new staff. … Outside of adding depth, it's not a position the Seahawks need to sink assets in this offseason. The biggest question is how new OC Ryan Grubb plans to deploy the duo."

With Grubb having an offensive line background, one could easily envision an uptick in performance from both Walker and Charbonnet in 2024.

New head coach Mike Macdonald will be entrusting Grubb to get the offense rolling as the Seahawks will look to bounce back from what was a disappointing 2023 season and a playoff miss.

The Seahawks ranked a lowly 27th for rush yards per game last season (92.9) and were 21st for rushing touchdowns (11), so there is no doubt room for improvement.

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Having a balanced attack will help the Seahawks move forward, as Geno Smith has more than enough weapons in D.K. Metcalf, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Tyler Lockett to get at defenses through the air.

But with an established run game, the Seahawks will become even more potent. But first, Grubb must figure out how to get both Walker and Charbonnet involved in his offensive scheme.