Run the damn ball. It’s a maxim that was finally brought to life in Mike Macdonald’s second year as head coach of the Seattle Seahawks. Previous coaches (who need not be named) talked about wanting to establish the run but finally committing to it in practice (rather than solely in theory) aided Seattle’s offense on the way to a Super Bowl title.
Kenneth Walker III ran his way to a Super Bowl MVP, then secured the bag as a prized acquisition in Kansas City. Klint Kubiak helped it happen, and he was
rewarded with a head coaching job of his own in Sin City.
The ground game is back!
In a radio appearance on the 93.3 KJR Dave “Softy” Mahler and Dick Fain Show, Softy ribbed Mike Macdonald, saying he’d like to see the red zone offense improve next year. Coach Macdonald calmly agreed and responded explaining that, “it starts with running the ball down there.”
The early part of the conversation in the clip below focuses on the expected growth and learning from and alongside new offensive coordinator, Brian Fleury.
Coach’s handling of the question lines up with comments that Fleury himself has made in the past: “the teams that can run the ball into the end zone tend to be the teams that consistently cash in.”
Ultimately, Macdonald talked about how the team is simply going to “give it some air to breathe so that it can grow the right way,” taking time to refine their tactics with a new coaching staff and new/further-experienced personnel on the field.
One of the pieces of that “new” variable is new Seahawks running back, Emmanuel Wilson. He is a hopeful help in regard to red area conversion. With Zach Charbonnet’s recovery timeline uncertain, he takes on greater importance as a power back.
Macdonald added to Softy: “I think this is a great opportunity too, to give the guys that are currently on our team right now, and guys like Emanuel Wilson that we added, throughout the season.” He finished by saying, “These are really guys that we’re excited about too and can be great players for us”.
There are some very talented backs that will be available in the upcoming NFL draft who could be fits with what Macdonald, Fleury and Co. seek to accomplish. Continuity along the offensive line and at FB have to factor in as well.
It will be fascinating to see how a new staff and new players factor into year three under Mike Macdonald. Will more players be added? In what way will the red area offense change from year to year, and will power running be more of a focus in the low red zone?
