Kenneth Walker's Impact and Usage in Recent Games Explained

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Exploring Ken Walker's Potential Impact in the Super Bowl

In recent games, Seattle Seahawks' running back Ken Walker has consistently been given a significant number of carries, with 19 in each of the first two games of the season. Despite a challenging match-up against the New England defense, there's an opportunity for Walker to shine, particularly due to his dual-threat capabilities. While Seattle's rush offense hasn't performed well overall, ranking in the bottom five in rush EPA for the year, Walker's usage as a receiver could be a critical factor in the Super Bowl.

Walker's skill in receiving is notable; he stands out with his ability to execute screen plays effectively, gaining significant yardage nearly every time. His historical performance as a pass catcher dates back to his college days at Michigan State, where he was a standout during his Heisman candidacy. Despite Seattle's recent shift towards Zach Charbonnet in the passing game, Walker's proficiency in this area was evident in recent games, with successful check-downs that highlight his ability to create plays after the catch.

The balance in Seattle's attack has often skewed towards Charbonnet throughout the season, adding complexity to Walker's role. However, in games against top teams like the Niners and the Rams, Walker managed a substantial snap count but still shared time with other running backs like George Holani. The pivotal question heading into the Super Bowl is whether Walker could dominate the running back snaps, potentially reaching or exceeding an 80% snap share.

Given the significance of the Super Bowl and the strategic necessity to utilize top players extensively, Walker's comprehensive usage may be likely. His capacity to handle a considerable share of carries and his effectiveness in the open field might make him a key player for Seattle, both as a traditional running back and as a receiver. As such, his performance will be crucial to Seattle's offensive strategy against New England's defense.