Seattle Seahawks: 3 Bold predictions vs. Saints, Week 3
By Samuel Teets
2. Chris Carson explodes for 120 yards
The 2017 seventh-round pick ran for 82.2 rushing yards per game last season. However, he’s off to a slow start in 2019. So far, he’s run for just 53.0 yards per game. Backup running back, Rashaad Penny isn’t that far behind at 40.0 rushing yards per game. The Seahawks, who led the NFL with 160.0 rushing yards per game last season, are currently ranked 14th in the NFL with 111.5 rushing yards per game.
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The Saints currently have the 27th worst run defense in the league, allowing 147.5 rushing yards per game. Carson gashed teams for over 100 yards six times last season. I find it hard to believe that one of the worst run defenses in the NFL will bottle him up after two mediocre outings. Carson has to be starving for a big game.
The one thing Caron has to watch out for this season is being overtaken by Penny. Carson has fumbling issues and Pete Carroll’s pertinence with his starter’s ball security may eventually run out.
As I said before, the difference in output between Carson and Penny right now isn’t that great. Some people who view Penny as having greater upside. Penny was also a first-round pick last year, and it seems funny to take a running back that high only to have him serve as a backup.
Don’t misinterpret though, I still think Carson is the better runner and should remain the starter. However, if he doesn’t start having more explosive performances, the tide in the backfield could shift in Penny’s favor.