Secret Weapon: Seahawks' Rookies Add Dimension For Geno Smith Offense

Rookies Zach Charbonnet and Kenny McIntosh give the Seattle Seahawks the option to throw passes to running backs, a dimension long misses from Pete Carroll's offenses.

As the Seattle Seahawks take the next step in their improvement this season, it could feature a rare sight: Passes to running backs.

Coach Pete Carroll's reign has never featured a back as a receiver, but that could change considering the skill-sets of rookies Zach Charbonnet and Kenny McIntosh.

During the last five seasons, the Seahawks have ranked no higher than 20th in the NFL in targets to running backs. But while Kenneth Walker III caught only 27 passes for 165 in his sterling rookie season, the two rookies have the hands and the pedigree to add the dimension to Seattle's offense.

At UCLA in 2022, Charbonnet caught 37 balls out of the backfield. And, according to ESPN, seventh-round pick McIntosh was one of only two players in FBS last year with 500 rushing and 500 receiving yards. His 504 receiving yards at Georgia were third-most among running backs in FBS.

“Yeah, they're catchers, for sure,” Carroll said during OTAs. “Kenny is a really natural athlete, you can just see it in everything that he does. Zach does everything well. He just is a complete ballplayer. He's already shown his understanding and his instincts about blocking in the passing game. They both look really good.”

With the free-agency departures of Rashaad Penny and Travis Homer, it wasn't a surprise that Seattle drafted a running back (or two) last April. But taking Charbonnet 52nd overall shocked most observers, considering Walker's rookie season in which he amassed 1,215 combined yards and nine touchdowns on 255 touches in 15 games.

Walker is still Seattle's No. 1 running back, but the hands of and versatility of Charbonnet - and perhaps McIntosh - gives offensive coordinator Shane Waldron and quarterback Geno Smith options.

“You get that true pro feel from the guy right away,” Waldron said of Charbonnet. “You notice his size and speed at running back. I know you can’t tell a whole lot about what’s going to happen when the pads go on when we’re out here right now, but you do get the feel where he’s playing at a high tempo. He’s a big back, he’s got a toughness about him, and he’s really gathering all of the information and picking up the offense quickly.”

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