The Seattle Seahawks are going to run the ball a lot once again in 2019, the second year under offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer.
While carries are likely going to be more evenly split between Chris Carson and Rashaad Penny, Carson could find himself with an even bigger role in the offense – as a pass-catcher.
“Right after the season ended we said ‘hey look Chris [Carson] can help us win games a lot of ways’ and one of the ways that he wasn’t last year was in the passing game,” Schottenheimer commented after Tuesday’s practice. “We need to get that number up around the 50’s, [that] would be a great situation for us. So we’re still getting his yards on the ground and he’s still helping us in the passing game.”
Carson’s increased use in the passing game adds a new element to Seattle’s offense. They threw the ball to Carson just 24 times last season, with third-down back Mike Davis leading the team in receptions out of the backfield with 34 receptions on 42 targets.
Carson wasn’t known as a big-time pass-catching back out of college and in his first two NFL seasons, but both coach Carroll and Schottenheimer believe that he has an argument for having the best hands on the entire team.
“They’re very good,” Schottenheimer continued. “I’d put him up against probably anybody, it’d be a tight battle.”
Carson’s increased use in the passing game is not only great news for fantasy football owners – particularly in PPR leagues – but it’s good for the Seahawks as well, who get one of their best playmakers out in open space.
“People are understanding that getting the ball to your backs in space is a good thing,” said Schottenheimer. “They’re still as elusive as they are running the ball, so when you get them out in space it’s the same problem for the defense.”
Carson is expected to suit up in Sunday’s preseason contest against the Vikings in Minnesota, which kicks off at 5:00 p.m. PT.
