Seattle Seahawks: Dud and Stud of the opening six weeks

Stud of the first six weeks

So many players have done a good job this season, it’s very difficult to pick three. Among those in contention, but didn’t make the cut were Bobby Wagner, Fluker, and Frank Clark.

2nd honorable mention – Bradley McDougald. He started off hot from the get-go, picking off Denver quarterback Case Keenum twice in week one. McDougald also recovered a fumble against Dallas. His season thus far has been much more than turnovers, The safety has 36 tackles which is number one on the team. Additionally, since Thomas’ departure, McDougald has become the leader among Seattle’s defensive backs.

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1st honorable mention – Russell Wilson. Wilson’s season and stats have improved since his weekly passing attempts have declined after week three. In his last four games, he is 65 of 96 (67.7%) for 784 yards and eight touchdowns, with only one interception. Wilson showed that he can be effective when not asked to carry the offense.

Stud of the first six weeks – Chris Carson/Mike Davis. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Thunder and Lightning, The Daily Double or whatever nickname you give them, the duo has been responsible for the Seahawks turnaround. Seattle’s commitment to the run wouldn’t have had the results its had if Carson and Davis weren’t productive.

It all started in week three when Carson took 32 handoffs for 101 yards against an aggressive Dallas defense. Despite not breaking many big runs, Carson pounded the ball right at the Cowboys. The Dallas defense got worn down and the foundation for Seattle’s turnaround was laid.

Unfortunately, Carson sustained a hip injury and wasn’t able to play against the Arizona Cardinals in week four. Pete Carroll went with fourth-year pro Mike Davis over 2018 first round draft pick Rashaad Penny. Davis didn’t disappoint, he gained 101 yards on 21 carries and added a pair of touchdowns.

Against Los Angeles the following week, Carson came back into the lineup. It was like he never left. The 2017 seventh-round draft pick from 2017 took 19 carries for 116 yards. Davis wasn’t left out of the mix, he picked up 68 yards and a touchdown. All totaled, the Seahawks gained 190 rushing yards against L.A.’s very strong defense.

In week six, while no back had 100 yards individually, the backfield as a whole performed very well against Oakland. They had 155 yards on 37 carries. Carson led the way with 59 yards and four yards-per-carry.

The Seahawks schedule resumes on October 28 in Detroit, against the Lions.