Seahawks rookie standouts could transform offense into one of NFL's deepest
It is long time since the Seahawks' offense has lacked star power. In 2023, it could also have enviable depth. The Seahawks invested premium draft capital in their offense, and the signs from preseason indicate that decision will pay immense dividends. Seattle prevailed over the Cowboys in their second preseason game on Saturday, and got […]
It is long time since the Seahawks' offense has lacked star power. In 2023, it could also have enviable depth.
The Seahawks invested premium draft capital in their offense, and the signs from preseason indicate that decision will pay immense dividends.
Seattle prevailed over the Cowboys in their second preseason game on Saturday, and got contributions from several rookies.
First-round receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba had a 48-yard catch and run from Drew Lock to put Seattle at the Dallas one-yard line and set up a touchdown run for DeeJay Dallas that gave the Seahawks the lead.
Second-round running back Zach Charbonnet had a 29-yard rush that provided a glimpse of why the Seahawks added him to their backfield.
"We feel like we already know who we got. We think we got a hell of a football player there," Pete Carroll told a press conference after the Dallas game. "He's explosive. He's consistent. He's really smart. You can totally count on the guy. He's a heck of a football player. It's just a matter of he's playing. He's going to play."
Another who looks increasingly like one who will play in the regular season is undrafted free agent Jake Bobo, who, after catching a touchdown pass in the preseason opener, had receptions of 26 and 15 yards.
With a lack of compelling alternatives behind DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett and Smith-Njigba on the depth chart, Bobo appears well-placed to earn a roster spot and would give the Seahawks a fourth receiver who has displayed reliability and success in creating separation with his route-running.
Bobo may not get too many opportunities to contribute right off the bat for the Seahawks. However, with Smith-Njigba giving them a receiver with elite upside from the slot and Bobo demonstrating big-play potential, the Seahawks can claim to possess more depth, versatility and explosiveness at the position.
Smith-Njigba's dynamism from the slot should help the Seahawks be more efficient from 11 personnel. Seattle ranked 14th in positive play rate from 11 last season, per Sports Info Solutions.
Having both Smith-Njigba and Bobo on the roster could help greatly increase the number of big plays from their wide receivers. Last year, Marquise Goodwin was the only Seahawks wideout other than Metcalf and Lockett who recorded a reception of 20 yards or more.
At running back, Charbonnet's preseason flashes will build confidence he and Kenneth Walker, who went for over 1,000 yards in his rookie year, can blossom into one the best running back tandems in the league.
Having such strength at running back and depth at wide receiver may facilitate the Seahawks achieving what all teams are looking for on offense: balance.
Speaking about their offensive production against Dallas, Carroll said:
"Those guys, they're 10 for 12, the first two quarterbacks. I thought Shane [Waldron] gave them some good chances tonight. Went after them a little bit. Coming up with some big plays in sequence. I really liked the way he called it. We ran the ball for 140 yards. That's the kind of balance that we're looking for. Gives us a chance to be able to do all of the stuff, all of the play passes and movement stuff that we like doing."
In 2022, the Seahawks were seventh in positive play rate throwing the ball and were 14th in Expected Points Added per rush attempt.
With added options in both areas this season, the Seahawks have the flexibility to increase the menu of what they can do on offense and elevate both the passing game and the ground attack towards the NFL's summit.
Seahawks QB picks the wrong time to put it all together
It’s about one year too late.
Featured Image Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
