Zach Charbonnet’s Key Opportunity Against Dolphins

The Seattle Seahawks, boasting a 2-0 record, head into their Week 3 home game against the Miami Dolphins with uncertainty surrounding their star running back, Kenneth Walker. Walker is expected to miss his second consecutive game due to an oblique injury, and while the team officially lists him as doubtful, head coach Mike Macdonald has expressed skepticism about his chances of playing. “Not looking great right now for the game with Ken Walker, but he’s working his tail off, getting better,” Macdonald stated on Friday, according to the Seahawks’ official website.

In Walker’s absence, the Seahawks faced a tough challenge last week against the New England Patriots, managing just 46 rushing yards in a narrow victory. Second-year running back Zach Charbonnet struggled significantly, accumulating only 38 yards on 14 carries. The only other player to make a notable contribution on the ground was quarterback Geno Smith. This lack of production is unsustainable if the Seahawks aim to maintain their winning streak.

Charbonnet was a surprising second-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, with the intention of creating a powerful running game. However, after a promising rookie season where he averaged 4.3 yards per carry, Charbonnet’s performance has plummeted in 2024. He currently averages a mere 2.3 yards on 22 attempts, a statistic that has led to increased scrutiny from fans and analysts alike.

Sunday’s matchup against the Dolphins presents a pivotal moment for Charbonnet. The Seahawks must find offensive balance to remain competitive, especially since Smith has been averaging an alarming 34.5 passing attempts per game. Such reliance on a quarterback who is not regarded as elite could prove detrimental in the long run. It’s clear the Seahawks invested heavily in their backfield for a reason, and now is the time for Charbonnet to deliver.

Offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb has attempted to downplay the team’s struggles running the ball against New England, attributing some of the issues to the Patriots’ defensive setup. “That’s just defensively how [New England] set up,” Grubb remarked. He noted that their weaknesses were primarily in pass defense, which the Seahawks exploited effectively—Smith threw for 327 yards, with one touchdown and no interceptions. While this approach may have worked in the short term, relying too heavily on Smith’s passing ability poses risks, particularly with the team’s aspirations of challenging the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC West.

It’s important to recognize that the offensive line’s performance in run blocking deteriorated without Walker. His 103 rushing yards in Week 1 against the Denver Broncos showcased his capability, and his absence has been felt significantly. With Walker sidelined, the Seahawks will again activate Kenny McIntosh for the game against Miami, but the team might also consider promoting Brittain Brown or George Holani from the practice squad. However, none of these players are seen as potential threats to take carries away from Charbonnet.

Should Charbonnet falter again against the Dolphins, the Seahawks may look outside the organization for help. While it’s purely speculative, Miami running back Jeff Wilson could be a potential option. Additionally, veteran free agents such as Jerick McKinnon, Latavius Murray, Eno Benjamin, and Joshua Kelley are available. While these players may not represent elite talent, they offer experience that could stabilize the running game.

The stakes couldn’t be higher for Charbonnet as he heads into this crucial game. The Seahawks are 2-0 and eager to keep their momentum going, but continuing to depend on a struggling running back may not yield the desired results. The organization’s patience may wear thin if Charbonnet cannot produce against Miami, a team that presents both challenges and opportunities for the Seahawks’ offense.

Charbonnet’s leash appears to be short, and the pressure is mounting. The Seahawks need to establish a reliable running game to complement their passing attack and provide a balanced offensive strategy. As the team prepares for the Dolphins, all eyes will be on Charbonnet. He has the chance to solidify his role as a key contributor or face the possibility of being replaced if he cannot step up.

Ultimately, Sunday’s game is not just another matchup; it could define Charbonnet’s career trajectory with the Seahawks. For a team with playoff aspirations, the performance of their running back in this high-stakes game could be the difference between success and struggle in the weeks ahead. As fans and analysts alike watch closely, it’s time for Zach Charbonnet to prove he can rise to the occasion and fulfill the expectations that come with being a second-round draft pick in a competitive league. The Seahawks are counting on him to deliver, and the outcome of this game may hinge on his performance.