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Months after winning the Super Bowl, the Seattle Seahawks find themselves searching for answers, and one former head coach believes he knows where the decline began. Kenneth Walker III, who was the driving force behind Seattle's rushing attack, departed in free agency, and the team is now paying the price.
Former Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott didn't mince words during an appearance on The Rich Eisen Show. "He's certainly a good player," McDermott said. "I think any team would miss his ability and his contribution." McDermott pointed to Walker's standout performances late last season, particularly in the NFC Championship Game and the Super Bowl, as evidence of his impact. "And now you watch him with Kansas City," McDermott added. "That's a real component and a good point."
McDermott elaborated on the importance of a balanced offense. "Any team that becomes one-dimensional is easier to defend than a team that is a true two-dimensional team," he explained. "What I'm talking about is having the ability to run the football and not be a legitimate threat and also play action off of it."
Walker's departure from Seattle came after a postseason run in which he amassed 313 rushing yards and four touchdowns over three games, culminating in a Super Bowl MVP performance with 135 rushing yards and 26 receiving yards. Despite his contributions, the Seahawks allowed him to hit free agency, where he signed a three-year deal with the Kansas City Chiefs worth up to $45 million.
Seattle's plan to replace Walker with rookie Jadarian Price and veteran Emanuel Wilson has not panned out. Through six games, the Seahawks' running backs have combined for just 539 yards. Former NFL defensive tackle Breiden Fehoko voiced his frustration bluntly: "Why did the Seahawks not pay Kenneth Walker? They have no run game. Absolutely zero."
Meanwhile, Walker has thrived in Kansas City. In only four games, he has racked up 537 rushing yards, leading the league with an average of 6.2 yards per carry. He has surpassed 170 rushing yards twice and reached 175 yards from scrimmage in three of four contests, scoring two or more touchdowns in three of those games. The Chiefs have jumped out to a 4-0 start.
Walker is enjoying his new environment, particularly playing alongside quarterback Patrick Mahomes. "It's super fun," Walker said. "We're able to, I guess, freestyle it. If somebody is open or if the play breaks down, he's able to make a play. It's great to play with him."
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid admitted he didn't fully anticipate Walker's explosive start. "Yeah, I would tell you not really because we thought he did well, especially when [the Seahawks] had to turn everything over to him during the playoffs," Reid told reporters on Monday. "So, we saw his whole game there, and now we're just seeing it on an extended basis where he comes in, and he's been able to showcase all that."
Walker has handled 99 touches in four games, averaging 134.3 rushing yards per game. The Chiefs are coming off a Week 5 bye and will face the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday. Fans will get a chance to see Walker face his former team on October 25, when Kansas City visits Seattle on Sunday Night Football. All eyes will be on Walker, who has not spoken ill of the Seahawks but may be eager to prove a point to the front office that let him go.
Key Analysis
McDermott's critique highlights a broader NFL truth: letting a dynamic running back walk can disrupt an offense's balance. Walker's success in Kansas City underscores his value, while Seattle's struggles on the ground suggest they may regret their decision. As the season unfolds, the October 25 matchup will be a poignant reminder of what the Seahawks let slip away.
Originally reported by yahoo.