Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb routinely discussed the importance of the run game this past offseason when asked about his philosophies. Grubb made his official debut as the Seahawks’ OC in Sunday’s 26-20 Week 1 victory over the Denver Broncos. He used his first showcase as an opportunity to prove he’s a man of his word.
Seattle’s run game notably struggled throughout the first half against a difficult Broncos front seven. Combined, running backs Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet rushed for just 22 yards via nine attempts. Despite that ineffectiveness, Grubb stuck with the run game in the second half.
Grubb’s six-play scoring drive to begin the third quarter included five runs by Walker, including his explosive 23-yard touchdown. Walker finished with 103 rushing yards via 20 carries. He averaged an effective 5.2 yards per carry. Starting quarterback Geno Smith showered Grubb with praise postgame for making the appropriate halftime adjustments.
Charbonnet wasn’t as productive as a rusher, totaling just 12 yards on eight carries, and 1.5 yards per attempt. But Grubb managed to get his change-of-pace back involved. Chabonnet scored a 30-yard receiving TD in the fourth quarter that extended Seattle’s lead to 26-13.
Heading into Monday Night Football, the Seahawks currently rank eighth in the league in rushing yards with 146. Their 33 total rushing attempts ranks seventh, and their 4.4 yards per carry places 13th. Only one team (the Washington Commanders, 3) scored more rushing touchdowns (2) than the Seahawks did.
Seattle’s offense should fire on all cylinders this season if Grubb can continue fielding a well-balanced unit.
