After facing criticism for their short-yardage struggles just a week prior, Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald expressed confidence that his team was making progress in the run game. On Sunday, the Seahawks proved him right in a crucial NFC West matchup against the Arizona Cardinals.
Seattle’s ground game took center stage, powering the team to a decisive 30-18 victory and solidifying their position at the top of the division. The rushing attack posted its best performance of the season, marking the team’s most productive outing on the ground since the 2022 season finale. Leading the charge was running back Zach Charbonnet, who delivered a career-defining performance in the absence of injured starter Kenneth Walker III.
With Walker sidelined due to ankle and calf injuries, Charbonnet stepped up as the team’s lead back and put on a show. The second-year player rushed for a career-high 134 yards and two touchdowns, adding 59 receiving yards to amass nearly 200 total yards. His physical running style and versatility were pivotal in sustaining drives and wearing down Arizona’s defense.
“Zach did a great job,” said Macdonald. “We gave him a game ball, gave the offensive line a game ball. (He) just ran really physical, and it’s tough to tackle that guy in the open field. He’s got speed and power.”
Charbonnet’s performance was highlighted by a 51-yard touchdown run late in the second quarter that extended Seattle’s lead to 24-10. On the play, he followed excellent lead blocks from offensive linemen Abraham Lucas and Sataoa Laumea, found a crease, and showcased his speed and power in the open field. This breakthrough performance underscored the Seahawks’ renewed commitment to a strong rushing game and demonstrated Charbonnet’s potential as a key contributor moving forward.
