The Seahawks come into the 2011 season with the same core of running backs as last year. Spearheaded by Marshawn Lynch and Leon Washington, the Seahawks new zone-blocking scheme favors their runners and should translate to consistently better play than last season.
Starter: Marshawn Lynch, 5’11” 215, Age 25
Fullback: Michael Robinson, 6’1” 223, Age 28
Second String: Leon Washington 5’8” 203, Age 28
Third String: Justin Forsett 5’8” 198, Age 25
Fighting for spots: Thomas Clayton (Kansas State), Chase Reynolds (Montana)
Marshawn Lynch comes into this preseason riding all of the hype after his 67-yard touchdown run that may now be the most famous run in Seahawks history, as they toppled the Saints in the NFC Divisional Playoffs. As much as Seahawks fans don’t want to believe it, Lynch comes in as nothing more than an average running back.
To become an above average player, Lynch needs to show his physical style of running in their new running scheme. Last season, Lynch ran for 737 yds and 6 TDs. He has to step it up in 2011 if the Seahawks are going to compete for the NFC Westtitle. In case you have been living under a rock, here is Lynch’s ground-shaking (literally) run from the 2010 NFC Divisional Playoffs:
Leon Washington may benefit the most from this new run blocking scheme implemented by new Offensive Line Coach Tom Cable. Leon Washington is a one-cut runner, and in the zone blocking scheme holes are created based on who the linemen are blocking, rather than opening a specific hole.
In a zone scheme, players are blocked, thus the holes that are opened can vary depending on where the defense moves. This plays to the advantage of players like Washington because in this scheme, players who are quick and speedy have the chance to see a hole and blow through it rather than waiting for the play to develop.
Washington is the perfect compliment to a player such as Marshawn Lynch who is more of a downhill, power back. Expect Lynch to get the tough yards and then Washington to spell him late into the series. Last season, Washington only rushed 27 times for 100 yards. His role this season will increase dramatically, as the Seahawks run the ball more with their new quarterback Tarvaris Jackson at the helm.
Thomas Clayton comes to the Seahawks this season as an off-season acquisition, and is already taking advantage of his situation. In his first preseason game, Thomas rushed 16 times for 62 yards, including one 25 yard touchdown run to put the Seahawks up by a touchdown with 3:50 left in the game. Thomas showed poise throughout the night and made a name for himself.
The Seahawks have a new scheme, and have the proper pieces and coaching to make their running game much better than last year. In addition, with their new QB Jackson, they will be running the ball more than in previous seasons. If they can get their offensive line to help out with some good blocking, the Seahawks could have one of the better running back combinations in the NFC.
--Jimmy Michaels (@jimmymichaels1)
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