Despite winning ten games last season, the Seattle Seahawks struggled to move the ball on the ground. Their 95.7 rushing yards per game were the fifth-fewest in the league -- and the fewest of any team that won at least ten games.
That has not been the case to start the preseason, as Seattle is averaging 219.0 rushing yards per game in the new-look offense. The turnaround has been led by a resurgence from the offensive line, which struggled mightily last season but has looked great in the preseason.
Additionally, new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak has thrived with his playcalling in the preseason. Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet was recently named as a candidate to have a breakout season in 2025.
Seahawks RB Zach Charbonnet predicted to breakout this season
Charbonnet has shown promise over the first two seasons of his career. The second-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft has run for 1,031 yards and nine touchdowns on 243 carries, while adding 549 receiving yards and one touchdown on 75 receptions.
Moe Moton of Bleacher Report predicted that the third-year running back is in line for a breakout season, writing:
"Last year, head coach Mike Macdonald made it known he wanted to field a more effective ground game. In two exhibition outings, the Seahawks have racked up 438 rushing yards. They're setting their offensive foundation for the regular season and may shift the backfield workloads for the top two running backs. In 2024, Walker missed six games because of injuries. Now, with a lingering foot issue, he could lose his grip on the featured role out of the backfield. Charbonnet is primed for an uptick in touches, and he could eventually surpass Walker on the depth chart."
Charbonnet did not play in the preseason opener; however, he had a big showing last weekend. He recorded 45 rushing yards and a touchdown on just five carries. Meanwhile, Walker III has yet to take the field this preseason.
While the latter has proven his capability over his three-year career, he is set to become a free agent after the season. Seattle could look to turn the offensive load over to Charbonnet if it decides that they are prepared to move on from Walker III.
The second-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft has run for 2,528 yards and 24 touchdowns on 600 carries while adding 723 receiving yards and two touchdowns on 102 receptions. He has, however, missed ten out of a possible 51 games.