Seahawks Analysts Urge Team to Add True Fullback to Roster After Red Zone Success
The Seattle Seahawks’ 20-17 victory over the San Francisco 49ers showcased a positive shift in their red zone efficiency, going 2-for-2. However, according to Seattle Sports’ Michael Bumpus, the performance highlighted an area where the team could further improve, especially in short-yardage situations.
Bumpus, a former Seahawks wide receiver and current analyst, expressed his appreciation for the red zone success but also pointed out the team’s ongoing issue at fullback. He emphasized that while running back Zach Charbonnet and offensive lineman Jalen Sundell have stepped in at fullback this season, neither player truly fits the role. Charbonnet lacks the size and power typical of a fullback, while Sundell falls short on speed and agility.
“Go get a real fullback,” Bumpus urged. “If this is gonna be a part of your game, go get someone who specializes in the art of fullback. It’s almost like asking the guys who put up the frame in the house to also do the drywall. It don’t work that way.”
The Seahawks’ struggles in critical third- and fourth-down situations in recent games, including a failed conversion attempt by Charbonnet in a key moment against the 49ers, further underline the need for a true fullback. With Seattle continuing to make roster moves this season, adding a fullback could be a more feasible addition without the need for a trade.
Co-host Stacy Rost echoed Bumpus’s sentiment, linking the lack of a true fullback to the team’s short-yardage woes: “Get those jumbo packages with guys that are fullbacks, and look at that, probably some more conversions.”
For Bumpus, the solution is simple: if fullback is going to be part of the Seahawks’ offense, the team should invest in a player who excels at the position, rather than continuing with makeshift solutions.
