5 keys to how the Seahawks can beat the Colts in Week 1

4. Empower Carson in the run game

It’s not uncommon for NFL running backs to quickly feel undervalued as their teams “use the tread on the tires”, wearing young athletes thin through their rookie contracts and refusing to reward them financially in later years.

Thankfully, that isn’t the case for the spry Chris Carson.

Since 2017, Carson has battled his way through committee competition to the top the running back depth chart. The Seahawks cemented their position on running backs this offseason by awarding Carson a hefty two-year, $14.6 million contract. Carson is the undisputed starter, and with Waldron’s exciting new offense, it means that Carson could get the help he needs to boost his game.

Two tight end sets are important because they improve the pass and run game: if designed properly, the tight ends can trick defenses into expecting passes, then defending for the run.

In Schottenheimer’s offense, Carson proved his salt, boasting consecutive 1,000-plus-yard seasons in 2018 and ’19. In 2020, the running back had less impressive numbers in 681 yards through 12 games, but his yards per carry actually improved. Last year, Carson averaged 4.8 yards per carry.

What makes Carson even less predictable is his pass-catching ability, making him a massive asset to Wilson’s short passing game. In 2020, Carson caught 37 passes for 287 yards, averaging 7.8 yards per reception and an incredible 80.4 percent catch rate.

Carson has proven time and time again to have sure hands, and the best thing the offense can do is entrust the ball in them.