This Proves the Seattle Seahawks Have a Special Pair of Running Backs
The Seattle Seahawks have a pair of versatile running backs in Chris Carson and Rashaad Penny. But what is it about the two that makes them so great? Their production has been stellar as the Seahawks are right in the thick of the NFC playoff hunt. But it goes beyond the numbers.
Let’s take a closer look at the single fact that proves the Seattle Seahawks have a special pair of running backs.
Chris Carson’s 2019 season
According to the Seattle Times, Carson is one of the most valuable NFL players this season based on his salary and production. In the 2017 draft, the Seahawks chose him with the 249th pick. And Carson became the 29th out of 30 running backs drafted.
When you consider his four-year contract worth $2.4 million, he is a steal. “The Seahawks indeed struck seventh-round gold at the bottom of the bargain bin,” the Seattle Times state, “as Carson has become as one of the most productive running backs in the NFL in his third season.”
Carson is Seattle’s top back and has had an incredible run. Here’s what he’s accomplished this season:
- 13 games played
- 1,057 rushing yards on 246 carries
- Five touchdowns
- 35 receptions for 242 receiving yards
- Two receiving touchdowns
The Seattle Times did the math and this means the Seahawks are paying Carson $397 per yard gained. Compare this to other running backs in the league, like Ezekiel Elliott ($3,762) and Christian McCaffrey ($1,865), and Carson is an absolute steal.
Rashaad Penny’s 2019 season
While Penny doesn’t have the same output as Carson in limited attempts, he’s been a valuable member of the Seahawks offense. Most teams need multiple productive running backs to compete and Seattle is no different. Here’s what Penny’s put up numbers-wise in 2019:
- 10 games played
- 370 rushing yards on 65 carries
- Three touchdowns
- Eight receptions for 83 receiving yards
- One receiving touchdown
While it’s clear, based on the numbers, that Carson is the primary back, Penny’s been very good in relief. Unfortunately, the Seahawks won’t have his services for the rest of the season. Penny is having surgery to repair an injured ACL that will keep him out of action until 2020 at the earliest.
This proves the Seattle Seahawks have a special pair of running backs
Carson and Penny may have competed with each other for carries, but it seems like their relationship is stronger than the competition. This was evidenced by Carson’s gesture on Monday Night Football.
Touchdowns are an important metric for running backs. They help evaluate a running back’s performance and value to a team. So when teams enter the red zone, those goal-line carries are a valuable commodity. In the Seahawks’ case, Carson was willing to give his up:
“[Carson] had put his Seahawks near the goal line,” explains the News Tribune. “The next carry was likely going to be for a touchdown. But then Carson tapped his helmet, the universal football sign asking for a substitute.”
What happened next surprised his teammates and fans. “Seattle’s lead running back, on his way to another 100-yard game, summoned his understudy onto the NFL’s Monday night stage.”
Allowing Penny to score speaks to the running backs’ friendship. It also makes the loss of Penny that much more impactful for Seattle. Although, if Carson’s performance is any indication, they should be in good hands the rest of the way.
