As the Seattle Seahawks prepare for their crucial Week 17 matchup, it’s becoming increasingly clear that the time has come for the team to shift gears in their backfield. With their playoff hopes on the line and the need for a strong finish to the season, handing the keys to rookie running back Zach Charbonnet could provide the spark Seattle’s offense needs. While veteran running back Kenneth Gainwell has been a reliable option throughout the year, Charbonnet’s upside, talent, and physicality make him the best choice for Seattle in this critical week.
Zach Charbonnet, drafted by the Seahawks in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, has shown flashes of his potential throughout the season. A powerful and versatile running back, Charbonnet has the combination of size, vision, and speed that is hard to ignore. Throughout his college career at UCLA, Charbonnet demonstrated the ability to run between the tackles, hit the home run, and catch passes out of the backfield, making him a dual-threat option that could provide a dynamic boost for Seattle.
As the season has unfolded, Charbonnet’s role has increased slowly but surely. While he hasn’t been the full-time starter, his contributions have been undeniable. In games where he has received more touches, Charbonnet has consistently produced, showing impressive burst and determination. In Week 16, for example, Charbonnet had one of his best performances of the season, finishing with over 90 total yards and a touchdown. His powerful runs and ability to get positive yardage even in tough situations have made him a key asset to the Seahawks’ offense.
The Seahawks’ Week 17 game is a must-win for playoff positioning, and they need to establish a balanced offense to have any chance of succeeding. While Geno Smith and the passing game have had their moments, the key to Seattle’s success in recent years has been its ability to run the football effectively. Charbonnet’s running style — aggressive yet patient — allows him to pick up tough yards and keep the defense off balance.
Charbonnet’s physicality gives Seattle the chance to control the line of scrimmage, especially when facing tough defensive fronts. His ability to wear down defenses with a steady dose of power running will be crucial in wearing out opposing defenses, setting up play-action, and helping the offense stay on schedule. Seattle has a strong offensive line, and with Charbonnet’s ability to break tackles and churn out extra yards after contact, he could be a major force in Week 17.
Another reason to give Charbonnet the keys to the backfield is his ability to make plays in the passing game. His receiving ability has not been fully utilized yet, but the Seahawks would be wise to give him more opportunities as a pass-catcher out of the backfield. His soft hands and ability to gain yards after the catch could give Smith another reliable target, making the offense even more dynamic. By getting Charbonnet involved both as a rusher and receiver, Seattle could open up multiple facets of the game and force the opposing defense to account for him at all times.
Charbonnet’s potential has been evident since the preseason, but his role in the offense has been limited due to the presence of Kenneth Gainwell and other backs. However, with Seattle fighting for their playoff lives, the time to fully unleash Charbonnet is now. Not only does he bring explosiveness and power, but he also gives the offense a long-term piece they can build around in the future.
By making Charbonnet the focal point of the running game, the Seahawks will not only increase their chances of winning in Week 17 but also prepare themselves for the playoff push. The ability to ground-and-pound with Charbonnet will allow the Seahawks to control the clock, limit turnovers, and give their defense much-needed rest. His diverse skill set makes him a weapon that can be used in various ways to attack opposing defenses.
As Seattle heads into a critical Week 17 matchup, the Seahawks should look to fully integrate Zach Charbonnet into their offensive game plan. With his combination of size, skill, and versatility, Charbonnet gives the offense a dimension that they have not fully tapped into this season. By leaning on him as the primary back, the Seahawks can take advantage of his talents and improve their chances of not only winning this game but also making a deep playoff run. The time has come to hand Charbonnet the keys to the backfield, and it could be the spark that propels Seattle toward a successful finish to the season.