Mike Macdonald knows the Seattle Seahawks need a boost in their running game, and he is referring to beefy fullback Robbie Ouzts, who is expected to play against the Washington Commanders in Week 9. Ouzts has missed the last four games due to an ankle injury, but Macdonald believes the blocking back’s return is “great. It wasn’t a long practice, but got some good reps in,” according to The Tacoma News Tribune’s Gregg Bell.
Having Ouzts back in the lineup will lead to a shift in how the Seahawks deploy personnel in the running game. As Macdonald pointed out, “We’ve majored in 12 personnel, 13 personnel. We’ll see how the game plan shakes out, but Robbie provides more two-back flexibility than probably we’ve had.” These new, heavier formations could unlock the Seahawks’ so far unfulfilled potential when running the ball.
### Seahawks Need Changes in the Running Game
Despite the breakaway talents of Kenneth Walker III and the rugged dependability of Zach Charbonnet, the Seahawks’ running game is not intimidating opponents. They rank eighth in the league in rushing attempts but are 30th in yards-per-carry average (3.7), according to Seahawks.com Senior Reporter John Boyle.
These numbers are not what one would expect given offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak’s expertise with the famed zone-stretch system. However, that staple play hasn’t been yielding much for Walker and company. “Teams are dedicated to stopping it — the Seahawks face loaded boxes at the highest rate in the league,” notes Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic.
In response, Kubiak is attempting to diversify the run game by incorporating more counter, gap, and straight-ahead power runs. These plays were used with mixed results during the 27-19 win over the Houston Texans in Week 7. As Dugar explained, “The pivot would then be to gash teams between the tackles, which the Seahawks attempted with a little bit of success against the Texans. But is that the best use of the personnel? They have a light, athletic offensive line, which is why a scheme based on running off the ball was supposed to pop.”
Another challenge is that the tight ends have not been physical enough to hold their blocks consistently, meaning the Seahawks need to get bigger along the line of scrimmage. This is where Robbie Ouzts comes in.
### Robbie Ouzts’ Return Boosts One-Dimensional Offense
Though only a rookie and a 2025 NFL draft fifth-round pick, Ouzts has already made a positive impact. For example, in Week 2 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, he helped Kenneth Walker rush for 105 yards by delivering a series of crushing blocks. NFL Network’s Brian Baldinger highlighted some of his best blocks, showcasing the difference a fullback the size of a defensive lineman can make.
Adding Ouzts provides the Seahawks with more power and physicality up front, putting some much-needed “oomph” into their rushing concepts. This could be the key to moving the ball more effectively on the ground and making the run game a more threatening part of Seattle’s offense.
https://heavy.com/sports/nfl/seattle-seahawks/mike-macdonald-robbie-ouzts-running-game/