Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III noticed a certain demeanor from the San Francisco 49ers amid his stellar performance in the NFL playoffs’ divisional round.
Walker rushed for a playoff-best and season-high 116 yards and three touchdowns against a 49ers team that had little to no answers for the running back during a 41-6 rout.
“You can see it when they’re breathing, they’re tired. They’re slow to get up. You can see it being demoralizing to them,” Walker explained. “We just got to keep doing that.”
Keep doing that is exactly what Seattle’s offense needs to get through the Los Angeles Rams on Jan. 25 and advance to Super Bowl 60. The Seahawks have won eight consecutive games. Seattle’s last loss, coincidentally, came against the Rams in Week 11.
Seattle’s rushing attack has been revitalized during its hot streak. The Seahawks have gained more than 160 rushing yards in four straight games, including 175 yards against San Francisco.
The Seahawks have particularly found success on outside runs of late. They averaged more than six yards on runs toward the left end and on carries directed toward the right tackle against the 49ers.
“A lot of it is coming on wide zone, you know that’s something that we’ve been having to work all year and that’s where we hang our hat on,” Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald said. “So, it’s great to see it come to life.”
Kenneth Walker III fuels Seahawks’ resurgent rushing attack
Walker’s been the predominant figure in the resurgence of the Seahawks’ rushing attack. He’s rushed for at least 97 yards in three of the past four contests and compiled no fewer than 133 yards from scrimmage in three of the last four games, including 145 yards from scrimmage against the 49ers.
“It’s really just details and execution,” Walker said. “We go over it, we watch film, and then we go execute it at practice and it shows in the game.”
Walker has averaged more than six yards a carry in three of the past four contests – two games against the 49ers and one against the Rams.
“For him to have the success that he’s having, it’s super cool. Nobody is more deserving and excited to continue to block for him for another week. He’s a dynamic back, and it’s one of those deals where you just got to give him a chance and he’s going to make you right,” Seahawks rookie guard Grey Zabel told USA TODAY Sports. “It’s one of those deals where you just got to give him a hole just kind of block your guy, and he’s going to make you right 99% of the time. It’s unbelievable to block for a guy like that, and we have a lot of fun doing it.”
Walker is imperative for Seattle’s offense going forward. Zach Charbonnet suffered a season-ending knee injury in the divisional round and Sam Darnold is playing through an oblique injury in which he admitted he’s going to have to manage throughout the postseason.
Walker’s success on the ground eases the pressure on Darnold, who just recorded his first postseason win, and makes life easier for the entire offense.
“It opens (the offense) up,” Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba said. “You got to respect it, all areas of our offense.”
Aside from the ultimate goal of a Super Bowl, Walker has another looming incentive to keep playing at a high level. The fourth-year running back is an impending free agent. Walker’s performance to close the season could seemingly have a financial impact on the running back.
There’s no better time for Walker to prove his worth than now. His career night in the divisional round showed his importance to Seattle’s offense. Yet he’ll underscore his value with another superb outing in the NFC championship game.
Follow USA TODAY Sports’ Tyler Dragon on X @TheTylerDragon.