Seattle Seahawks: Is Backfield Depth a Concern?

This past season, no team in the National Football League gained more yards on the ground than the Seattle Seahawks.

We are aware that this is hardly breaking news, especially considering the rushing numbers this club has amassed the last three years.

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In 2012, only two teams in the league gained more yards rushing and one year later, Pete Carroll’s team finished fourth in the NFL in this always-important category. This past season, thanks in large part to running back Marshawn Lynch (1,306) and quarterback Russell Wilson (849), the Seahawks managed an NFL-best 172.6 yards per game on the ground.

But will that be the case once again this upcoming season. Are the Seahawks once again primed to be one of the better running teams in the game? When it comes to spelling “BeastMode” on occasion, Carroll’s team has made some significant changes.

Aug 21, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) hands off to running back Robert Turbin (32) against the Kansas City Chiefs in the first half at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

This weekend, the Seahawks waived/injured backup running back Robert Turbin, who then wound up reverting to injured reserve. That means the three-year pro, who had not missed a game in his brief career, rushed for 928 yards (0 touchdowns) and amassed 1,355 yards from scrimmage (2 touchdowns, both receiving) in 48 regular-season outings with the franchise.

On Sunday, general manager John Schneider dealt former second-round pick Christine Michael to the Dallas Cowboys. We barely saw the former Texas A&M product, who played in only 14 regular-season contests and ran for only 254 yards on 52 attempts. This preseason, he managed to lead the team with 32 carries, good for 118 yards. The Cowboys are hoping he’s far more productive with them than he was the past two years.

Oct 5, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Buffalo Bills running back Fred Jackson (22) runs after a catch during the third quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

Enter veteran running back Fred Jackson.

Well, not quite yet. The battle-proven performer was recently let go by the Buffalo Bills and according to many media outlets (including John McGrath of The News Tribune) he has agreed to join the Seahawks. The move is not official yet but should be wrapped up in short order. Jackson, who spent eight seasons with the Bills and ran for 5,646 yards and 30 scores with the club, is also a former teammate of Lynch’s. The duo was in Orchard Park together for nearly four seasons before Lynch was dealt to the Pacific Northwest during the 2010 season.

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