Seattle Seahawks' hopes rest on Kenneth Walker as they prepare for NFC Championship Game against Los Angeles Rams.
The Seattle Seahawks are bracing themselves for a heavy workload from running back Kenneth Walker III as he takes over the reins after Zach Charbonnet suffered a season-ending ACL injury last week. The 730-yard rusher was the only bright spot in the team's season and will be crucial to carrying the load against their division rivals, Los Angeles Rams.
Walker has shown impressive form this season with 1,027 yards rushing and five touchdowns, along with 36 receptions for 282 yards. But what makes Walker special is his ability to make an impact when it matters most - as he's joined only by Seahawks legend Shaun Alexander in franchise history to have three or more touchdown runs in a playoff game.
The Seahawks' offense coordinator, Klint Kubiak, has expressed complete faith in Walker's abilities and believes that he can handle the increased workload. "The proof is on the film," Kubiak said. "He's played some really good football, and we have all the confidence in the world in him to carry a heavier load."
Walker's performance will be pivotal in taking pressure off Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold who has struggled against Los Angeles Rams in recent years. In his last three games against LA, he has thrown for just three touchdowns and eight interceptions with 13 sacks. A strong showing from Walker can alleviate some of the stress on Darnold by putting the ball into his hands and letting him use his speed to outmaneuver the Rams.
Walker's perseverance was highlighted by Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald, who praised the running back's resilience in dealing with an injury before the regular season. "I know he was working through his foot at the beginning of the offseason... And I think hopefully he realizes the dividends that that work has paid," Macdonald said.
With Charbonnet sidelined and the Rams likely to focus on pressuring Darnold, Walker's performance will be a deciding factor in whether Seattle reaches the Super Bowl. If he can control the tempo and time of possession by churning out first downs on the ground, he could open up the Seahawks' path to victory.
The Seattle Seahawks are bracing themselves for a heavy workload from running back Kenneth Walker III as he takes over the reins after Zach Charbonnet suffered a season-ending ACL injury last week. The 730-yard rusher was the only bright spot in the team's season and will be crucial to carrying the load against their division rivals, Los Angeles Rams.
Walker has shown impressive form this season with 1,027 yards rushing and five touchdowns, along with 36 receptions for 282 yards. But what makes Walker special is his ability to make an impact when it matters most - as he's joined only by Seahawks legend Shaun Alexander in franchise history to have three or more touchdown runs in a playoff game.
The Seahawks' offense coordinator, Klint Kubiak, has expressed complete faith in Walker's abilities and believes that he can handle the increased workload. "The proof is on the film," Kubiak said. "He's played some really good football, and we have all the confidence in the world in him to carry a heavier load."
Walker's performance will be pivotal in taking pressure off Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold who has struggled against Los Angeles Rams in recent years. In his last three games against LA, he has thrown for just three touchdowns and eight interceptions with 13 sacks. A strong showing from Walker can alleviate some of the stress on Darnold by putting the ball into his hands and letting him use his speed to outmaneuver the Rams.
Walker's perseverance was highlighted by Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald, who praised the running back's resilience in dealing with an injury before the regular season. "I know he was working through his foot at the beginning of the offseason... And I think hopefully he realizes the dividends that that work has paid," Macdonald said.
With Charbonnet sidelined and the Rams likely to focus on pressuring Darnold, Walker's performance will be a deciding factor in whether Seattle reaches the Super Bowl. If he can control the tempo and time of possession by churning out first downs on the ground, he could open up the Seahawks' path to victory.