For most of the season, the Seahawks’ backs, linemen and especially offensive coordinator Greg Knapp have faced the weekly inquisition: What’s wrong with the running game?
The past two weeks, the running game has been the most productive aspect of the team. It’s just that few have noticed, because the Seahawks are mired in a three-game losing streak heading into Sunday’s season finale against the Tennessee Titans at Qwest Field.
In their own version “Bay Watch,” the Seahawks have averaged 4.5 yards per carry while rushing for 128 yards against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Qwest two weeks ago and a 115 yards in Sunday’s game against the Packers in Green Bay.
The efforts have been a far cry from the seven sub-100 efforts by the running game this season, and a quantum leap from the franchise-record 4-yard performance against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 11.
What’s the difference? Everything. From the play-calling, to the blocking, to the decisions being made by the backs, to the continuity on the line, to the overall execution of the entire unit as it adapts to the zone-blocking scheme installed this season by Knapp.
“We’ve just been more consistent, because guys are getting it now,” fullback 
Griffith knows, because he played in this offense – and under Knapp – for three seasons in Atlanta when the Falcons were leading the league in rusher; and the past two seasons in Oakland, when the Raiders ranked among the Top 10 in rushing.
“When we were in Atlanta, we didn’t get it right away,” he said. “Eventually, you could see it develop. It was later on in the year when we started have 200-yard rushing games. We’re not at that point yet. But once guys get the concept, it will go here, too.”
With that said, here’s a closer look at the components:
Blocking
The zone-blocking scheme is, well, different. Rather than a specific man, each lineman is responsible for an area, or zone. Left tackle
“It’s almost a gap-type blocking scheme,” he said. “So when somebody is out of place, that’s all it takes. When it happens on defense, you get gashed. When it happens in this blocking scheme, the defender gets to the back too quickly.”
The past two weeks, the Seahawks have reduced those open zones.
“The guys are just making the right assignments,” Locklear said. “In weeks before, it was one or two guys in the wrong place. But now everybody knows what they’re doing and we’re just executing the offense.”
Continuity
Earlier this season, injuries forced Knapp and line coach Mike Solari to use six different starting units in nine games, including four starters at left tackle, three at left guard and two at center. In the past six games, the linemen have remained the same – although
It has put a premium on patience.
“We waited too long probably with the patience thing,” Locklear said. “But there were times when we ran it well, and times when we didn’t. The last couple weeks, it’s been more like we know what we’re doing.
“We haven’t won, but we have done some things we can focus on and say it has gotten better.”
Running
“I don’t know. I really don’t have any answers for you, to be honest,” Jones said when asked about the recent improvement. “I’m just trying to focus on gaining positive yards. Everybody is just trying to grind right now.”
Offered Knapp, “The feel for the backs and the timing has been much improved because of repetition, and the continuity we’ve had up front.”
Play-calling
Despite falling behind 24-3 in the first half against the Packers, Knapp did not abandon the run. The Seahawks ran the ball more (17) than they passed (16) in the first half, and then ran it on nine of their first 11 plays in the second half. They had a similar M.O. against the Bucs, running 21 times in the first half and passing 20 times.
“We’ve put a lot more into the run,” left guard
Coaching
Solari is about to complete his second season with the Seahawks, but has yet to field his expected starting five. He has been, literally, the calm in the storm of linemen who have been swirling around him.
“Even with all the ups and downs we’ve had, coach Solari has been really consistent and a constant,” Sims said. “It’s almost frustrating to a point. Sometimes we’ll walk in there and our emotions are high, we’re (perturbed) about something or we’re down about something.
“He’s just like, ‘Hey, this is what we’ve got and this is what we’re going to do.’ But like he says, he needs to be a constant for us. I think it’s paid off, and I think that’s why he’s one of the better O-line coaches in the league. We’re blessed to have him.”
