No. 2: Rashaad Penny Needs More Touches

There’s little questioning Russell Wilson is the No. 1 bona fide playmaker in the Seahawks offense. But as potent as he is, he can’t do it all.

Seattle needs to get its running game going, namely with rookie running back Rashaad Penny — the Seahawks’ top choice in the 2018 NFL Draft. Round 1 picks are supposed to be the day-one impact players. Early on, Penny has been something of an afterthought, albeit with some flashes of promise, including a nice 10-yard rush in Chicago Monday night.

Wilson, like many quarterbacks who thrive off RPOs and play action, only benefit from a stout running game. And there are those who’d argue Seattle’s offense hasn’t been the same since now-Oakland Raiders tailback Marshawn Lynch left town.

Let’s take a look at the numbers early this season. Penny has just 17 attempts on the young season, which is well less than what a featured runner would have in a single game. And it’s not just a possible lack of faith in Penny either. Through Weeks 1 and 2, the Seahawks have attempted just 38 rushes, which ranks 29th in the NFL over that span.

Part of this can be explained by Seattle trailing both the Denver Broncos in Week 1 and then the Bears in Week 2, being forced to play catch-up and relying more on Wilson’s arm than anything else.

But with wide receiver Doug Baldwin (knee) out for the foreseeable future, it would be smart to see the Seahawks feature Penny a bit more in the offense, thereby alleviating some of the pressure on Wilson. The defense too.

However, that offensive line won’t make it so easy.