Seattle Seahawks and Eddie Lacy Were Made for Each Other
By Erik Lambert
When the Seattle Seahawks were on top of the football world in 2013 and 2014, it was about running the ball and playing great defense.
They still do plenty of the latter, but their ability to run the football has really taken a hit over the past couple seasons. Ever since former All-Pro Marshawn Lynch decided to retire. Last year, the teams’ first without him since 2011, the Seahawks ranked just 25th in rushing. Christine Michael was their leader with 469 yards. Amazing to think since he wasn’t even on the team for the entire season. Clearly the organization realized changes were needed.
The identity of the Seahawks had been lost and must be rediscovered. That meant finding a feature running back they could feed. Somebody who could keep the defense rested and Russell Wilson out of harms way from hungry opposing pass rushers. Their solution ended up being one of risk but also inspiration in former Packers bell cow Eddie Lacy.
NFL.com had the breakdown.
"“After sampling nearly all the veteran running back talent on the free-agent market, the Seahawks decided to sign Eddie Lacy on Tuesday.Lacy’s representatives, Sports Trust Advisors, announced on Twitter he has agreed to terms with team. NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported that the deal is for just one year and $5.5 million, including $3 million fully guaranteed.The move could jump start a loaded veteran running-back market that includes Adrian Peterson, Jamaal Charles and Latavius Murray. For Seattle, the draw was obviously Lacy’s potential and similarity to former franchise stalwart Marshawn Lynch.”"
Lacy had an up and down time in Green Bay. He produced back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons in 2013 and 2014. Unfortunately conditioning issues, injury and chaffing in a pass-happy scheme conspired to hurt his effectiveness. It looked like things would turn around last year but he was sidelined after just five games. So there is no doubt the 26-year old arrived in Seattle with a lot to prove. The good news is he’s finally in an offense that will use him.
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Pete Carroll has always loved to run the football. Lacy showed he could carry an offense back in 2013. With Aaron Rodgers hurt much of the season he was their focal point and they still managed to make the playoffs. That is the player the Seahawks are hoping to get. Everything will be about getting him healthy and in shape. Six year ago they took a similar gamble on Lynch and it led to Super Bowl runs.
Could lightning strike twice?