Throughout the season, the Seahawks have struggled to establish a consistent ground game.
While there have been flashes of big plays and solid runs, running the ball more effectively has remained a key focus for the team.
After showing significant improvement in their rushing attack against the Jets, as noted by offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb, the Seahawks built on that momentum to deliver their best rushing performance of the season on Sunday.
Seattle collectively rushed for 176 yards, a season-high and their best rushing total since Week 18 of the 2022 season against the Rams, when they ran for 197 yards.
Despite being without lead back Kenneth Walker III, Zach Charbonnet and Kenny McIntosh ensured the Seahawks didn’t miss a step.
“Zach did a great job; we gave him a game ball,” head coach Mike Macdonald said after the game.
“(We) gave the offensive line a game ball. He ran really physical, and it’s tough to tackle that guy in the open field. He’s got speed and power, so (I’m) excited for him.”
Charbonnet had a standout performance, rushing for 134 yards on 22 carries, including a 51-yard touchdown run. He also contributed 59 receiving yards on seven catches.
“I think everyone was just on point,” Charbonnet said. “We really dialed into details this week.
Receivers, tight ends, linemen especially—they just made it easy for me. We really honed in, focused on the details, and executed.”
Charbonnet’s 134 rushing yards marked the highest total by a Seahawks back since Walker’s 167-yard performance against the Chargers in Week 7 of the 2022 season.
“Ken is obviously a dynamite back, and we would’ve loved to have him,” Macdonald said. “But so is Zach [Charbonnet], and Kenny McIntosh has proven he can run the ball effectively as well.
We didn’t feel the need to make any adjustments.”
McIntosh added 38 rushing yards of his own, averaging 5.4 yards per carry, with his longest run being a 16-yard gain.
“It was a statement,” McIntosh said of his performance. “I knew I had to step up for my teammate. One of my brothers was down—Ken Walker.
I knew I had to elevate my role, especially to help my boy Zach. I just played my role to the highest level I could for my team.”
McIntosh also expressed confidence in the team’s ability to run the ball effectively.
“We have a great [running back] room. It’s not surprising because we’ve known this since preseason, but we showed it today. One man goes down, the next one steps up. That’s what brotherhood is about.”
Quarterback Geno Smith shared his confidence in the team’s plan and the running backs heading into the game, citing the team’s mindset as a key factor.
“We’ve had a bunch of different guys step up throughout the year, and that’s a result of coaching and culture,” Smith said.
“The coaching staff does a great job making sure everyone is prepared—not just the starters. Zach [Charbonnet] has always been a great player.
We were confident in him the entire time because we know what he can do.”
The offensive line also played a pivotal role in the Seahawks’ rushing success.
“They just made it easy for me,” Charbonnet said. “All I had to do was make one guy miss, and it worked out. I give all the credit to those guys upfront.”
McIntosh echoed that sentiment, praising the offensive line’s efforts.
“I have to give them all the credit. That gap scheme, counter scheme—it was working all night.
The defense couldn’t get penetration, and the [offensive line] was doing their thing out there. I salute all five of them.”
