One of the most shocking turn of events in the 2022 NFL season thus far is the performance of the Seattle Seahawks. They were picked by virtually everyone to be near the bottom of the standings as they made some major changes to their roster in the offseason. 

It was the end of an era in Seattle as the team cut linebacker Bobby Wagner and traded away quarterback Russell Wilson. Without their two cornerstones, not much was expected from them, but they have blown away all expectations.

The Seahawks are currently 4-3 and leading the NFC West division. Geno Smith, who beat out Drew Lock for the starting quarterback job, has been a revelation under center. He is currently leading the NFL with a 73.5 completion percentage, throwing for 1,712 yards and 11 touchdowns compared to only three interceptions.

Smith is also keeping teams honest with his legs, rushing for 132 yards on 30 carries, adding one more score. But, the bulk of the damage on the ground for Seattle this season has been done by rookie Kenneth Walker III.

Walker, a second-round pick out of Michigan State, was playing second fiddle to Rashaad Penny after missing the first week of the season with an injury. In Week 5 against the New Orleans Saints, Penny suffered a season-ending injury, which thrust Walker into the starting role, which he has taken and run with.

The former Spartan has been excellent since being called upon to replace Penny in the lineup. In his last two games, he has rushed the ball 44 times for 264 yards and four touchdowns. He routinely rips off chunk plays, recording at least one run of 13+ yards in five out of six games he has played in.

When the ball is in his hands, a big play can happen at any time. According to PFF, Walker already has four touchdowns this season on runs of 10+ yards. That is more than 28 teams in NFL currently have.

Everyone is waiting for the other shoe to drop when it comes to Seattle’s offense, but they continue defying the odds. That kind of explosiveness will keep the Seahawks in games as they try and figure things out with their defense.

The running back position had a huge void when Chris Carson was forced into retirement because of a neck injury. Walker looks ready to take over that mantle as he is earning his spot as the go-to bellcow of the Seahawks’ backfield.