Tag: Zach Charbonnet

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.

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Did Seahawks preseason Week 2 indicate who’s winning RB3 battle?

Did Seahawks preseason Week 2 indicate who’s winning RB3 battle?

One of the biggest remaining positional battles on the Seattle Seahawks’ roster is the perceived one at No. 3 running back. While the Seahawks are still searching for their starting right guard between Christian Haynes and Anthony Bradford, the ongoing competition between Kenny McIntosh and George Holani is also capturing intrigue.

Seattle’s Week 2 preseason defeat to the Tennessee Titans could have hinted at how head coach Mike Macdonald and his staff currently see things. McIntosh received the bulk of the workload against the Titans, easily leading all backs in the snap count with 23 plays, accounting for more than 52% of Seattle’s offensive plays. McIntosh did a fantastic job maximizing those opportunities.

McIntosh rushed for 46 yards via eight carries, averaging an explosive 5.8 yards per carry. His longest run of the day picked up 12, and the former Georgia standout also recorded two receptions for 17 additional yards. McIntosh flashed dual-threat ability, paired with a decisive running style.

Meanwhile Holani earned just nine offensive snaps. The undrafted free agent from Boise State rushed twice for three yards. There are multiple ways to interpret Holani’s lack of usage in Nashville. He’s been impressive all offseason long, making it likely Seattle’s decision-making brass has seen enough from him on offense and special teams to make their determination.

Perhaps the aforementioned “RB3” battle is no battle at all. Sophomore running back Zach Charbonnet has been nursing a lower body injury. Though he recently returned to practice in pads, the Seahawks may ease him back in. Retaining both McIntosh and Holani remains a distinct possibility.

Macdonald’s usage of both McIntosh and Holani versus the Titans indicate they’re in good graces. McIntosh put forth a convincing performance that proved he still belongs. Holani has shown enough to warrant a roster spot.

Seattle should keep both McIntosh and Holani when trimming down their roster to 53 next week.

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5 Seahawks missing second joint practice with Titans

5 Seahawks missing second joint practice with Titans

The Seattle Seahawks are on the practice field in Nashville on Thursday morning for their second and final joint practice with the Tennessee Titans. The competitive session is a useful dress rehearsal for Saturday’s preseason game versus the Titans, which will feature fewer starting-caliber players given the physicality of joint practices. Both teams find these shared practice sessions to be more practical for preparation purposes than exhibition games are.

Unfortunately, a handful of keynote Seahawks talents aren’t practicing versus the Titans on Thursday. Some of the absentees feature players who exited Wednesday’s practice, and others are injured players who didn’t feature in either practice. The following five Seahawks aren’t practicing on Thursday.

Jerome Baker & Jon Rhattigan, LB

The Seahawks are without off-ball linebackers Jerome Baker and Jon Rhattigan for a second straight practice. Baker is still being sidelined by a hamstring issue that has afforded rookie defender Tyrice Knight more reps with the first-team defense. The Seahawks were so light at the position heading to Nashville that they re-added undrafted linebacker Easton Gibbs to the 90-man roster after waiving him earlier this summer.

Zach Charbonnet, RB

Zach Charbonnet is missing his second consecutive practice, which means he won’t be afforded an opportunity to practice against the Titans at all. Kenneth Walker III continues to be the workhorse back, and George Holani and Kenny McIntosh are continuing their RB3 position battle. Charbonnet is missing crucial reps here.

Dre’Mont Jones, DE

Defensive end Dre’Mont Jones recently returned to practice after missing approximately two weeks with a hamstring injury. The veteran lineman exited Wednesday’s practice after feeling a flare-up. Head coach Mike Macdonald indicated it wasn’t a serious setback, but the Seahawks are wisely being cautious with their $51 million pass rusher. Jones is not practicing on Thursday.

Noah Fant, TE

Starting tight end Noah Fant did not finish Wednesday’s practice. Head coach Mike Macdonald declined opportunities to specify why he exited practice early. Macdonald and his staff must be playing things safe because Fant isn’t present for Thursday’s session with the Titans. Pharaoh Brown and Brady Russell should see increased reps in his absence.

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Seahawks ran the ball exceptionally well in 16-3 win over Chargers

Seahawks ran the ball exceptionally well in 16-3 win over Chargers

The Seattle Seahawks had a solid, foundational, win over the Los Angeles Chargers to kick off the preseason. It may not have been flashy or too exciting, but it was a great way to start. Winning 16-3 is not as impressive as in which the manner it was won.

The Seahawks dominated time of possession, nearly doubling the Chargers. What impressed me the most is how they were able to do so, and it was running the ball. Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet did not play on Saturday against Los Angeles. Instead, the likes of George Holani, Kenny McIntosh, and Kobe Lewis took the lion’s share of carries, as all three are competing for that No. 3 running backs spot.

So far, the competition is as tight as ever. As a team, the Seahawks rushed for 156 yards on 39 total carries. McIntosh led the way with 40 yards on eight carries. Lewis followed suit with 33 yards on ten carries himself, with Holani rushing six times for 24 yards and a touchdown.

Seattle has struggled to get their run game be a more consistent factor for the last two years. This is all the more frustrating because it does not appear to be a talent issue.

The Seahawks did something tonight I did not see much of last year: they sustained long drives. They ate up the clock and managed to convert on third downs. In fact, as a team they were 11-for-20 overall. One of those they did not get was at the end of the game when they were already leading 16-3 and the win was assured, and the one before that was still within field goal range to make the game truly out of reach for Los Angeles.

The ability to sustain drives is going to be critical for this team, especially with a defense rebuilding. The Seahawks defensively last year were not good enough to be left stranded on the field, thanks to an offense that routinely struggled on crucial third downs.

Again, I am well aware this is merely a preseason game when both teams are playing the most vanilla game plans imaginable with second and third stringers. But still, it is hard to not be encouraged that Seattle was able to engineer multiple drives of 12+ plays. Even the one that resulted in a turnover on downs at the Chargers’ 2-yard line ate up eight minutes of clock, winding the third quarter down to a point where Los Angeles had only one possession in this quarter.

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Will a new coaching staff mean major changes?

For the first time since 2009, the Seattle Seahawks will be led by someone other than Pete Carroll, who was replaced as head coach during the offseason by Mike Macdonald after he spent the previous two years as defensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens. Carroll was followed out the door by offensive coordinator Shane Waldron (Chicago Bears) as Macdonald tabbed University of Washington assistant head coach/offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb to be his OC.

Grubb oversaw the Huskies’ second-ranked passing attack a season ago, and with the trio of WRs DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba, he has some quality options in place on the outside. He won’t abandon the run, though, with a pair of recent second-round picks atop the depth chart in the form of RBs Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet. In fact, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Seattle rely on the run a little more after they finished 31st in the NFL in carries a season ago.

So, what do the changes in the Emerald City mean for fantasy owners?

Watch: Zach Charbonnet’s top 5 plays from rookie season

Watch: Zach Charbonnet’s top 5 plays from rookie season

The Seattle Seahawks turned plenty of heads during the 2023 NFL draft when they selected running back Zach Charbonnet in the second round. It was a classic Pete Carroll-style pick, and one folks critiqued on account of Seattle selecting Kenneth Walker III the year prior… also in the second round.

But Charbonnet quickly proved those who doubted the pick wrong. The UCLA standout may not have lit up the stat sheet, as he only rushed for 462 yards and one touchdown, along with 209 yards through the air. However, Charbonnet provided a crucial 1-2 punch in the backfield when paired with Walker.

With that being said, let us reminisce on the top 5 plays from Charbonnet’s rookie season. They can be seen here.

Offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb has plenty to work with when it comes to running backs in Seattle. With the litany of weapons at his disposal, there is no excuse for the Seahawks offense to not be one of the better units in the league for the 2024 season.

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Report: Bears to hire Chad Morton as running backs coach

According to Jason Lieser of the Chicago Sun-Times, the Bears are set to hire former Seahawks coach Chad Morton.

It seems the Chicago Bears had themselves a busy Tuesday working to hire offensive coaches. According to Jason Lieser of the Chicago Sun-Times, the Bears are hiring Chad Morton to be their running backs coach, which would round out the position coaches on the offensive staff. Morton is the third reported coaching hire over the last 24 hours, joining wide receivers coach Chris Beatty and passing game coordinator Thomas Brown.

Morton, like Brown, has prior ties to new offensive coordinator Shane Waldron. The two worked together for the last three years on the Seattle Seahawks, but his coaching journey started out in a place Bears fans know all too well, however.

After a productive playing career as a running back, Morton began his coaching career with the Green Bay Packers and was a special teams assistant from 2010–2013. From there, he joined the Seahawks in a similar role before moving to their offensive staff as a running backs assistant from 2015–2016. In 2017, he was promoted to running backs coach and trudged through a tough season where the Seahawks had a bottom-five rushing attack.

Those struggles didn’t last long, though. Seattle led the league in rushing the following season, averaging 160 yards per game, and had another top-five attack in 2019. In 2022, Morton became the Seahawks run game coordinator in addition to his role as running backs coach.

Morton helped get the most out of Chris Carson for a few seasons and developed younger talents such as Kenneth Walker and Zach Charbonnet. Now, he rounds out Waldron’s staff and will be tasked with further developing players like Roschon Johnson and Khalil Herbert in the backfield.