It’s only three games and they don’t really mean anything in the grand scheme of things. However, Seahawks fans looking for a silver lining after an 0-3 preseason record can at least bank on expecting a quality run game in 2022. Always a critical part of this team’s offensive identity, there’s more reason than usual to be especially bullish about the rushing attack this year.
As far as talent in the backfield, few teams can compete with the starpower at the top for Seattle – assuming Rashaad Penny and Ken Walker are eventually 100% healthy. Even if they’re not, Travis Homer and DeeJay Dallas have just proven that the run game can still go strong even with backups leading the charge.
Some stats suggest this was the most-dominant rushing attack in the league during the preseason. This chart from Warren Sharp shows only scary-all-around Buffalo was remotely in Seattle’s league in running back efficiency and run blocking.
final preseason RB run efficiency v run blocking pic.twitter.com/PFwaFQjelB
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) August 29, 2022
As far as the run blocking goes, this is a very encouraging sign. While this unit did finish the 2021 season heading in the right direction, offensive line coach Andy Dickerson deserves a lot of credit for the evident improvement across the board. The gains are especially evident on the flanks. Abe Lucas has gotten the headlines, but truth is the entire offensive tackle group did well in this department.
Let’s cross our fingers and hope this isn’t a preseason mirage. A very potent rushing attack and a surprisingly-tough defense is this team’s best hope of competing in 2022.
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