Seahawks Struggle: Can They Reignite Their Running Game Against the 49ers?

As the Seattle Seahawks gear up for a pivotal matchup against the San Francisco 49ers, head coach Mike Macdonald has delivered a straightforward message: it’s time to hit the ground running—literally. After a promising start to the season, the Seahawks have hit a rough patch, losing two consecutive games and leaving fans questioning the state of their offense.

The Struggles of the Seahawks' Offense

Despite a strong performance from veteran quarterback Geno Smith, who leads the NFL with a staggering 1,466 passing yards, the Seahawks' ground game has faltered significantly. Here’s a closer look at the team's challenges:

• Rushing Attempts: Seattle currently has the fewest rushing attempts in the league, averaging just 21 per game.
• Underutilization of Kenneth Walker III: In their recent loss to the New York Giants, Walker managed only five carries, resulting in a meager 102 rushing yards for the entire team.
• Need for Balance: Macdonald emphasized the importance of a balanced offensive strategy, stating that the running game must be a defining aspect of their approach.

Geno Smith echoed these sentiments, asserting that the Seahawks need to develop a stronger rushing attack to keep defenses guessing. “Our running game has got to be the defining factor for our offense,” he said.

Injuries and Missed Opportunities

Adding to the Seahawks' woes is the injury situation. Walker, who excelled last season with over 1,000 rushing yards, has been sidelined at times this year due to an oblique injury. Offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb pointed out that Walker needs more touches to unleash his potential. “If we get Ken 10 more touches, things are going to look different,” he noted.

The Upcoming Challenge Against the 49ers

Things won’t get easier for the Seahawks as they face the 49ers, a team they have struggled against in recent years, losing their last five meetings. The stakes are high; a win could reignite their season and boost morale as they vie for the top spot in the NFC West.

San Francisco's Own Struggles

The 49ers are not without their challenges, either. Coming off a narrow loss to the Arizona Cardinals, they’re dealing with their own running game issues, especially in the red zone. The absence of star running back Christian McCaffrey due to calf and Achilles injuries has further complicated matters. His return is highly anticipated, as last season he was instrumental in the 49ers’ offensive success.

Looking Ahead

With the clock ticking down to game day, both teams must address their issues if they hope to emerge victorious. For the Seahawks, revamping their rushing strategy could be the key to breaking their losing streak against the 49ers. Will they make the necessary adjustments in time?

What do you think?

• Should the Seahawks focus more on their running game to turn their season around?
• Is Geno Smith capable of leading the Seahawks to victory without a strong rushing attack?
• How significant is McCaffrey’s absence for the 49ers in this matchup?
• Has the Seahawks' coaching staff failed to utilize their talent effectively?
• Will the outcome of this game define the rest of the season for either team?