The Seattle Seahawks' offense has made a strong start to the 2023 season, but there is room for even greater success. Currently ranked sixth in the league with an average of 27.8 points per game, the Seahawks' 3-1 record after four games is a testament to their offensive prowess. However, when it comes to yardage, there is still work to be done.
One area we can expect to see some big growth in that former NFL wide receiver and current Seahawks Radio Network analyst, Michael Bumpus, highlights is the rushing game, specifically focusing on the team's top rusher, Kenneth Walker III. Walker currently ranks 12th in the league with an average of 70.8 rushing yards per game. Bumpus believes that this number has the potential to increase significantly, pointing out that Walker has yet to replicate the explosive runs he achieved as a rookie last year.
In 2022, Walker had three rushes of at least 60 yards, showcasing his ability to break free and make big plays. However, this season, his longest runs have been for 31 and 36 yards. Bumpus emphasizes the inevitable return of Walker rediscovering his big-play potential, stating, "The Hawks are 4-1 in games (in Walker’s career) when he has rushes of 30-plus yards, so we’ve got to get that going. He was No. 3 last year in explosive plays, he was No. 2 when it comes to top speed at 22.09 mph. This year, he’s reached 20 mph four times. So you see that it’s there, you feel the rumble.”
Bumpus draws a comparison between Walker's current runs of 30 yards and the recent 4.2 magnitude earthquake that shook the Puget Sound. He likens them to small rumbles, eagerly anticipating the "big one" that he believes is imminent. Bumpus attributes Walker's potential to his remarkable capabilities, highlighting his impressive gains of 60, 74, and 69 yards in 2022. With his current gains of 31 and 36 yards this season, the momentum is building, and the anticipation is palpable.
As the Seattle Seahawks' offense continues to evolve, the key to unlocking their full potential lies in the explosive runs of Kenneth Walker III. By harnessing his big-play ability and adding more 30-plus yard rushes to his repertoire, the Seahawks can take a significant step forward. With Walker's immense talent and the team's determination, the future looks promising for Seattle's offense.
