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Monday Round-Up: Brian Schottenheimer Breaks Down The Seahawks Running Back Competition

Seahawks offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer analyzes the Seahawks competition at running back through the first three days of training camp.

Good morning, 12s.

Here's a look at what's "out there" for today - Monday, July 30 - about your Seattle Seahawks:

Schottenheimer: "Versatility Is Going To Be A Big Thing" For RBs

We previewed the competition at running back and getting the run game back on track as some of the top storylines to watch throughout this year's Seahawks training camp, and on Sunday, Seattle's new offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer shed some light on the subject in his post-practice press conference, touching on his philosophy at the running back position and his impressions of a few backs so far. Here's some of what Schottenheimer had to say following Seattle's first padded practice:

(On the running back room...) "Great position competition. Honestly, all five guys are playing well right now. We're trying them in different spots. We know versatility is going to be a big thing for them, that they can do multiple things. Again, today was a big step. You know, when you don't get to wear pads very often, when you get a chance to wear them, you've got to do a lot of stuff so we did a bunch of one-on-one stuff. (Running backs) Coach (Chad) Morton took those guys down there. We'll see that film, but wow. What a great group. I mean, really, a fun, fun group. An exciting group – and they're young. I mean, it's a young group. It's not like there's really an old, experienced guy in the group. What a battle, one that we'll watch throughout the course of training camp."

(On his philosophy for using running backs...) "That's a great question. It differs. Each situation is different. Most of those years in New York (Jets) when we were running the ball really, really well, there was always at least two guys. There's a Thomas Jones and a Shonn Green and there was a LaDainian Tomlinson and a Leon Washington. It takes more than one, for sure. But, obviously, you'd like to find each guy's niche, what they can do, and if there's guys that can do multiple things you kind of do it based on the opponent, kind of what you're seeing from the matchups that are created, and again, I think we have great flexibility in that regard."

(On Rashaad Penny...) "Again, another good, young back. ... His skill set, his run talent, his ability to come out of the backfield is unique for such a big guy. Most of those scat – he has scat back qualities along with the ability of running in between the tackles. It will be interesting. Everybody wants to see him pass protect, but I've been blown away by his ability to, again, diagnose the blitz, see where the blitz is coming from, and track his guy. It's been outstanding for a young back, one of the best if not the best I've ever been around. But then again, now we're getting into pads where you've got to show the ability to get into position, find your guy, strike and keep him away from the quarterback – and it's early. So we'll see the film, but very, very pleased with Rashaad and where he's at right now."

(On the ability to run the ball when it needs to be run...) "Well, today was good. We did a little 9-on-7 drill today, right? So it's a heavy 8-man box, we've only got our seven blockers, they've got the extra safety down there, and so what's critical is the ability to get movement up front. I saw us do that today. I saw some double teams where we were knocking guys back off the ball. That's important, and then there's a trust factor with the back and him hitting his landmark or his course, trusting that those blocks are going to happen because sometimes they happen late. Again, I think it's a work in progress, but again, people are going to want to make you one-dimensional. We have to be able to run versus 8-man fronts, and that's not always with checks. It's got to have runs that you believe in (and that) this groups believes in. 'Hey Schotty, we can run this no matter what we do,' and I think we're finding that identity right now."

You can watch Schottenheimer's full press conference right here.

Single-Game Tickets Available

If you missed your chance to see the Seahawks at training camp this summer, the team will soon be playing games at CenturyLink Field, and tickets are available for Seattle's preseason opener against the Indianapolis Colts.

Social Post Of The Day

Today's 'Social Post of the Day' comes from us - @Seahawks, as we showcase a wide receiver Brandon Marshall's unique pass-catching warmup on the shores of Lake Washington.

More From Around The Web

Seahawks.com digital media reporter John Boyle shares seven observations from Day 2 and seven observations from Day 3 of training camp.

Seahawks Pro Bowl left tackle Duane Brown, who signed a multi-year contract extension Saturday, says he's "immensely grateful" to finish his career in Seattle.

The Seahawks signed a pair of young receivers over the weekend, including a former Olympic sprinter.

A look at the music playlists from Day 2 and Day 3 of training camp.

Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson recapped his offseason honeymoon to Africa.

Mike Vorel at the Seattle Times profiles Seahawks tight end Tyrone Swoopes, who played quarterback at the University of Texas.

Three questions with Seattle receiver Jaron Brown, who signed with the Seahawks as a free agent this offseason.

Gregg Bell at the Tacoma News Tribune catches up with Chris Carson on the Seahawks' running back competition.

Photos from the third day of 2018 Seahawks Training Camp, presented by Safeway at Renton's Virginia Mason Athletic Center.

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