Tag: Zach Charbonnet

Seahawks ongoing run-game struggles take center stage vs. Bills

Seahawks ongoing run-game struggles take center stage vs. Bills

The Seattle Seahawks continue to struggle to establish an efficient rushing attack. Those ongoing difficulties took center stage against the Buffalo Bills in Week 8, a lopsided 31-10 defeat. Offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb must make an effort to rely on Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet earlier in games.

Walker was completely ineffective, rushing for 12 yards via nine carries. Charbonnet rushed for four yards and a touchdown on three carries. Starting quarterback Geno Smith was Seattle’s leading rusher, galloping for 16 yards via five scrambles.

The Seahawks rushed for 32 net offensive yards. Mike Macdonald’s squad was woefully out-gained on the ground by the Bills 164-32. Time of possession heavily favored Buffalo, 38:03 to 21:57.

Grubb continues to feature a pass-heavy attack. As pointed out by The News Tribune’s Gregg Bell, the Seahawks called seven passes on their first nine offensive plays from scrimmage. The Seahawks gained 16 rushing yards via 12 carries by Walker and Charbonnet. Buffalo only led 7-3 with 20 seconds remaining in the first half, giving Seattle no tangible reason to go into a pass-happy shell.

The Seahawks are now the league’s 29th-ranked rushing attack, producing 89.3 ground yards per outing. Grubb must work on his willingness to establish the run early. Seattle will continue being an inconsistent offense until they run the football more effectively and efficiently.

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Week 6 preview and prediction: Seahawks vs 49ers

Week 6 preview and prediction: Seahawks vs 49ers

The Seattle Seahawks are in the first losing streak of the Mike Macdonald era. They will look to get off the schneid on Thursday night against the 2-3 San Francisco 49ers – a team they have lost to for five-straight games.

Despite the recent success San Francisco has had against Seattle, judging by fans online it does not seem as if anyone is too confident in their team… on either side. Currently, the Seahawks remain in first place in the NFC West, but they mainly have the Arizona Cardinals to thank for this. Arizona upset the heavily injured 49ers 24-23 on Sunday, keeping Seattle on top of the division despite their own brutal loss.

San Francisco has become a walking wounded squad. Star defensive lineman Javon Hargrave has been lost for the year, and the reigning Offensive Player of the Year in Christian McCaffrey is still on injured reserve. The Niners have struggled in the red zone this season without McCaffrey, but they are still able to run the ball well behind the legs of Jordan Mason.

Unfortunately, Seattle’s weaknesses along their own defensive front in regards to stopping the run. The Giants gashed them for 175 yards as a team on Sunday, and rookie Byron Murphy II will be missing his third-straight game.

However, the Niners have equal vulnerability on the ground. They key for Seattle is if they will be able to get their own rushing attack going. On Sunday, the Seahawks ran 58 plays and only seven were called runs. This is unacceptable with a healthy Kenneth Walker III in the mix, especially when the game against the Giants was either tied or within a score for three full quarters.

Being able to establish the run will be crucial for a Seahawks offensive line struggling mightily to protect Geno Smith. Having the men up front move forward more than backwards, taking pressure off themselves and their quarterback. The Niners may not have Hargrave, but Nick Bosa is more than terrifying enough.

Seattle’s defense may not be as injured as they were against the Lions, but they will be without cornerback Riq Woolen. They will have Boye Mafe back to help bring pressure to Brock Purdy, but San Francisco has too many weapons for a shorthanded secondary.

The 49ers are desperate. They are a veteran team with a well-established system and culture. Seattle could make this more competitive than they have in the last five meetings, but San Francisco is still a touch matchup.

Prediction: 49ers over Seahawks 28-21

Seahawks RB Zach Charbonnet has a chance to make history on Monday

Seahawks RB Zach Charbonnet has a chance to make history on Monday

The Seattle Seahawks are 3-0 to start the 2024 season and will look to improve to 4-0 for only the third time in franchise history. They will attempt to do so against the Detroit Lions on Monday Night Football. However, improving to 4-0 isn’t the only bit of franchise history that could be made.

Quietly, second year running back Zach Charbonnet actually leads the team in total touchdowns. He had a receiving one in Week 2, rushed for another against the Patriots, then added two more to topple the depleted Miami Dolphins. Four touchdowns in three games, not bad.

But what happens if he scores another – either rushing or receiving – in the Motor City? Well, he would etch his name into a unique page of Seahawks lore. Should Charbonnet find the end zone, he will become only the fourth player in franchise history to have a touchdown in each of the first four games. He would also be the first to do it since the legendary Marshawn Lynch did it during the 2014 season.

The 2014 season was a special one for Lynch and the Seahawks. Lynch bulldozed his way into the end zone 13 times that year, which was a career best. He also caught four receiving touchdowns as well.

So far, Charbonnet has been almost the exclusive ballcarrier in the absence of Kenneth Walker III. Even if Walker, who has been limited at practice this week, is able to suit up on Monday, it is almost certain Charbonnet will be featured extensively by Seattle. Considering how committed the team is to establishing the run and how dynamic the offense gets when they do so, Charbonnet will surely get some opportunities to reach this exclusive club.

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Seahawks RB Zach Charbonnet deserves flowers for Week 3 performance

Seahawks RB Zach Charbonnet deserves flowers for Week 3 performance

Seattle Seahawks sophomore running back Zach Charbonnet received his second consecutive opportunity to start in place of Kenneth Walker III in Sunday’s blowout 24-3 Week 3 victory over the Miami Dolphins. Charbonnet was extremely productive, rushing for 91 yards and two touchdowns via 18 carries. He also added three receptions and 16 additional yards to his offensive totals.

That represented career highs for Charbonnet in yards, yards per carry (5.1), and touchdowns. The former UCLA standout has now scored a touchdown in every game this season. Charbonnet’s longest run gained 13 yards, meaning he was consistently churning out quality runs.

It was a far better, more efficient performance than what Charbonnet put forth against the New England Patriots in Week 2, his first start after Walker was sidelined. Charbonnet rushed for just 38 yards and 2.7 yards per carry (and a touchdown) in that contest. The Westlake Village, California native was significantly more effective versus the shorthanded Dolphins.

The undefeated Seahawks will face their largest test of the 2024 campaign in Week 4 when they travel to Detroit for a Monday Night Football primetime showdown versus the Lions. Dan Campbell’s Lions currently rank fourth-best in rushing yards allowed per game (76.7). We’ll monitor Walker’s practice involvement throughout the upcoming week of practice. If he’s still sidelined, Charbonnet proved capable of carrying the workload.

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Seahawks Week 3 injury report: Kenneth Walker DOUBTFUL vs. Miami

Seahawks Week 3 injury report: Kenneth Walker DOUBTFUL vs. Miami

The Seattle Seahawks are set to face off against the Miami Dolphins at home, but it appears they will likely be without their star running back. For the final injury report of the week, Kenneth Walker III is listed as DOUBTFUL. Head coach Mike Macdonald said Walker had “progress” but still does not give a good outlook for him to play on Sunday.

Additionally, it appears right tackle George Fant is going to be ruled OUT for Week 3 as well. Initially, Fant appeared as DOUBTFUL, but Macdonald declared they were going to downgrade him.

Macdonald did give a bit of good news regarding linebacker Uchenna Nwosu, as he said he is optimistic their top pass rusher could play in Week 4 against the Detroit Tigers. Seattle’s defensive front has been making life difficult for quarterbacks, but adding NWosu back into the mix would be a considerable boost.

The full injury report can be seen below.

Ruled Out:

  • LB Uchenna Nwosu – Knee
  • RT George Fant – Knee

Doubtful:

  • LB Jerome Baker – Hamstring
  • RB Kenneth Walker III – Oblique

Questionable:

  • S K’Von Wallace – Shoulder
  • TE Pharaoh Brown – Foot
  • LB Boye Mafe – Knee
  • WR Laviska Shenault Jr. – Foot

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Can Seahawks RB Zach Charbonnet bounce back vs. Dolphins?

Can Seahawks RB Zach Charbonnet bounce back vs. Dolphins?

Seattle Seahawks sophomore running back Zach Charbonnet received the opportunity to start in place of the injured Kenneth Walker in last Sunday’s overtime victory over the New England Patriots. Charbonnet was not particularly effective. The former UCLA standout was limited to 38 yards and 2.7 yards per carry via 14 rushing attempts. He did score a touchdown, but play-to-play consistency wasn’t there.

Charbonnet also encountered little running room to operate with in Week 1. Though he worked as a change-of-pace option in that game, he managed just 12 yards, 1.5 per eight carries. Charbonnet scored a receiving touchdown, but ground-game effectiveness remained elusive.

Charbonnet is seemingly going to receive his second consecutive opportunity to start. Workhorse back Kenneth Walker hasn’t practiced all week and appears primed to miss his second straight game with an oblique injury. Barring a surprise, it’ll be Charbonnet carrying the workload versus the Miami Dolphins in Sunday’s Week 3 affair.

https://twitter.com/FieldYates/status/1836911673073897857

The Dolphins defense has enjoyed middling results versus the run. First-year defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver has watched his unit allow a 15th-best 118 rushing yards per contest. That indicates they possess the advantage over the Seahawks’ 24th-ranked rushing attack (96.0/game).

Charbonnet hasn’t completely seized his chance to start in place of Walker, but he has managed touchdowns in back-to-back games. Another opportunity looms large versus a competent Dolphins defense on Sunday. It’ll be worth monitoring if Charbonnet fares better.

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First half highlights: Seahawks lead 17-13 over the Patriots

First half highlights: Seahawks lead 17-13 over the Patriots

Part of the reason why the NFL remains king in this country is its inherent unpredictability, which is on full display in Foxboro, MA this morning. The Seattle Seahawks are taking on the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium, and many opined this would be a defensive slugfest.

Well, neither team is having much difficulty against either defense. After both New England and Seattle punted on their opening possessions, the fireworks have commenced.

The Patriots took their second drive of the game 60 yards in eight plays to claim an early 7-0 lead, thanks to former UW receiver Ja’Lynn Polk.

The Seahawks answered accordingly on the next drive, when Geno Smith found DK Metcalf for a wide open 56-yard touchdown.

New England regained the lead by marching 59 yards in 15 plays to kick a field goal for a 10-7 lead. However, it did not last long, as Smith similarly drove Seattle for their second touchdown drive of the morning. Getting the starting nod over the injured Kenneth Walker was Zach Charbonnet, who plunged into the end zone for his first touchdown of the season as well.

The Patriots did manage to answer somewhat, as they scored another field goal on their ensuing possession – their third straight scoring drive, aided by two needless penalties from cornerback Devon Witherspoon, to make it a 14-13 game. After forcing a punt just after the two-minute warning, New England had to punt back to Seattle with under a minute left in the first half.

Geno Smith took advantage of the final opportunity, and got the ball within Jason Myers’ range right before half, and Seattle’s Pro Bowl kicker connected from 44-yards to extend the Seahawks lead to 17-13 right before half. Interestingly, 17-13 was my final score prediction.

First half stats:

  • Geno Smith: 16-of-19, 169 yards, 1 touchdown
  • DK Metcalf: 4 receptions, 78 yards, 1 touchdown
  • Total yardage: Seahawks lead Patriots 182-165
  • Time of Possession: New England 17:53 to Seattle’s 12:07

Seahawks will get the ball to start the second half.

Be sure to follow @TheSeahawksWire and @KoleMusgrove23 on Twitter for live updates, analysis and highlights during the game!

Seahawks elevate RB George Holani and T McClendon Curtis to active roster

Seahawks elevate RB George Holani and T McClendon Curtis to active roster

The Seattle Seahawks listed starting running back Kenneth Walker III and right tackle George Fant as DOUTBFUL headed into Week 2. While no official word has been given as of now about their game status, we can read the tea leaves.

And the tea leaves say running back George Holani and tackle McClendon Curtis have been elevated off the practice squad.

Before the Walker injury, the Seahawks had three running backs on their active roster. Walker himself, Zach Charbonnet, and Kenny McIntosh. Despite a strong preseason from Holani – 15 carries for 66 yards and two touchdowns – it was not enough to convince Seattle to roster four running backs. Fortunately, Holani cleared Waivers and the Seahawks were able to bring him back to their practice squad.

As for McClendon Curtis, he was originally signed off the Las Vegas Raiders’ practice squad last year, and he found himself back on Seattle’s practice squad after being cut during the 53-man roster deadline this August.

Now, both have made their way back to the active roster just in time for Week 2 against the New England Patriots.

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Can Zach Charbonnet carry load for Seahawks if Kenneth Walker misses Week 2?

Can Zach Charbonnet carry load for Seahawks if Kenneth Walker misses Week 2?

Seattle Seahawks starting running back Kenneth Walker III missed his second consecutive practice on Thursday. Walker is day-to-day, per head coach Mike Macdonald, with an oblique injury. His participation for Sunday’s Week 2 game versus the New England Patriots is in legitimate doubt.

If Walker is ruled inactive, Zach Charbonnet would receive the start in Seattle’s backfield. Kenny McIntosh would be elevated to No. 2 duties. Charbonnet is capable of carrying a heavier workload. In two starts for Walker last year, he totaled 157 yards and a TD on 38 touches.

Admittedly, Charbonnet struggled to run the football efficiently in the Week 1 victory over the Denver Broncos. The former UCLA standout rushed for just 12 yards via eight carries, averaging an ineffective 1.5 yards per carry en route to a Pro Football Focus rushing grade of 48.0. Charbonnet did make a big-time impact in the second half via a 30-yard receiving touchdown.

Walker was electric on the ground versus the Broncos, rushing for 103 yards and a TD via 20 carries. Occasions like this are exactly what the Seahawks drafted Charbonnet with a second-round pick for despite already having Walker. Charbonnet needs to take on larger responsibility when given the opportunity.

The Patriots defense qualifies as a difficult matchup. They allowed a third-best 70.0 rushing yards in a surprising Week 1 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. Pay close attention to Walker’s practice participation on Friday. It could indicate whether Charbonnet is getting the first-team nod or not.

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Seahawks engineer 2nd half comeback, dominate Broncos for a 26-20 win

Seahawks engineer 2nd half comeback, dominate Broncos for a 26-20 win

Week 1 is in the books and the Seattle Seahawks begin the 2024 NFL season with a 1-0 record. Of course, it was hardly easy getting to this point. Offensively, the Seahawks looked as lost as I can ever remember seeing them. The first two plays were a sack then an interception, followed by two more possessions with punts. They had only mustered nine total points, which came from a field goal and a 34-yard Geno Smith touchdown run.

They had scored nine points, but directly handed the Broncos seven. Not only did the first interception lead to a field goal, but the Seahawks surrendered four additional points on two safeties. Seattle limped into the locker room down 13-9, only in the game thanks to the stellar play of their defense.

Well, whatever halftime adjustements they made certainly paid off. It was a tale of two halves at Lumen Field. The Seahawks came out of the gates swinging, scoring a touchdown on their first possession of the second half behind the legs of running back Kenneth Walker III. The drive gave Seattle a 16-13 lead – a lead they would not relinquish.

On Denver’s following possession, Denver’s running back Jaleel McLaughlin coughed up a fumble which was immediately recovered by Seattle. The Seahawks turned that turnover into another three points. After forcing the Broncos to punt again, Geno Smith found running back Zach Charbonnet for a 30-yard touchdown  to start the fourth quarter.

Of course, the Broncos would not go quietly into the good night. After a drive that ended in Nix throwing a second interception of the night to Seattle’s Riq Woolen, the former Oregon Duck led Denver on a seven-play, 54-yard touchdown drive, capped off by Nix himself scrambling into the end zone. Denver had made it a 26-20 game.

But the Broncos defense could not get one final stop. Geno Smith found Tyler Lockett on third down to move the sticks and run the clock out. For the second time in the last three seasons, the Seahawks have defeated the Denver Broncos in Week 1.

Interestingly enough, the last time the Seahawks hosted the Broncos for a regular season, non-primetime game was in 2014… and Seattle won that one 26-20 as well.

More Seahawks Wire stories 

Week 1 preview and prediction: Seahawks vs. Broncos

First half highlights: Seahawks trail Broncos 13-9

Kam Chancellor to raise the 12th Man Flag

George Fant ruled OUT with a knee injury

Seahawks vs. Broncos inactives