Seahawks’ offseason strikes could assist Klint Kubiak enhance offense

Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak has been laborious at work this offseason implementing his run-first offensive philosophy within the Pacific Northwest. Final yr, based on teamrankings.com, Seattle ranked twenty eighth in rush play share, dashing on simply 37% of their offensive snaps. This predictable play-calling made the offense simpler to cease and was a significant motive why the Seahawks completed simply 18th in factors per recreation.

This season, Seattle desires to do issues in a different way. Underneath Kubiak, the emphasis is on an outside-zone blocking scheme—and the personnel modifications already mirror that. Seattle chosen offensive lineman Gray Zabel within the first spherical of the 2025 draft. In addition they drafted fullback Robbie Ouzts out of Alabama within the fifth spherical, who is anticipated to be the lead blocker in entrance of the working again. In free company, the Seahawks signed veteran tight finish Eric Saubert, who could be very accustomed to Kubiak’s scheme from their time collectively in Denver in 2022. Seattle has dedicated to Kubiak’s offensive imaginative and prescient, and it already appears to be paying off, even after only one preseason recreation.

Towards the Raiders on Aug. 7, Seattle outgained Las Vegas on the bottom, 170 yards to 104. The Seahawks additionally recorded extra dashing first downs (10 to 4) and averaged 5.3 yards per carry in comparison with Las Vegas’s 4.3. The true check will come on Friday when Seattle plans to play their beginning offense towards the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs of their second preseason recreation.

The working again scenario in Seattle is in an excellent spot. Kenneth Walker III, the starter, and Zach Charbonnet kind the Seahawks’ model of thunder and lightning. Charbonnet is bringing the ability, and Walker is offering the burst.

George Holani catapulted himself into the third-string working again function with a stellar efficiency within the preseason opener towards Las Vegas. He rushed for 61 yards and a landing on simply seven carries.

However the leap in offensive manufacturing gained’t come solely from the run recreation; it can additionally depend upon the passing assault. Seattle has moved off Geno Smith and is now turning to Sam Darnold, who’s coming off a breakout yr. Darnold threw for 35 touchdowns (14 greater than Smith) and 12 interceptions (three fewer than Smith). He thrives off play-action passes, that are a staple of Kubiak’s playbook. In a information convention on Wednesday, Kubiak praised Darnold, saying he “has carried out an outstanding job.” It was additionally reported, based on profootballrumors.com, that Kubiak was integral in bringing the one-time Professional Bowler to the Pacific Northwest.

None of this might be attainable with out a huge enchancment from an offensive line that ranked thirty first out of 32 groups final season. The largest addition is the aforementioned Zabel, who is anticipated to begin at guard, however he was the one main acquisition. Normal supervisor John Schneider is essentially betting on the fellows already within the constructing.

Seattle does have some promising items. Charles Cross, the ninth total decide in 2022, has been stable in his 48 begins. Abraham Lucas made a direct affect, however the 2022 third-rounder has handled accidents, showing in simply 13 video games over the past two seasons. The remainder of the offensive line, consisting of Olu Oluwatimi, Anthony Bradford, Christian Haynes and Sataoa Laumea, has been closely criticized and should enhance. Their progress might be what in the end elevates this offense.

Up to now, issues have regarded encouraging. However because the starters start to see extra time, they should execute and hit the bottom working. Seahawks followers are rising stressed with an offense that has but to succeed in the heights it did with Russell Wilson.