Chris Carson finished his second season in the NFL by rushing for more than 100 yards in three consecutive games, an impressive closing stretch that helped him earn NFC Offensive Player of the Month honors for December.
Carson, who in Week 16 became the Seahawks’ first 1,000-yard rusher since Marshawn Lynch, rushed for 516 yards and five touchdowns on 103 carries in five December games, with the Seahawks going 4-1 over that stretch.
Carson led the NFC in rushing yards and rushing touchdowns over that stretch, and was second in the NFL in both categories to Tennessee’s Derrick Henry. Carson, who was named a Pro-Bowl alternate last month, finished the regular season rushing for 1,151 yards and nine touchdowns on 247 carries, his rushing total ranking fifth in the NFL. With Carson leading the way, the Seahawks rushed for a league-best 2,560 rushing yards this season, the third highest total in franchise history trailing only the 2014 and 2012 teams.
It was an impressive first full season in the NFL for Carson, a 2017 seventh-round pick whose rookie season ended after just four games due to a leg injury.
“He has had a great year,” Carroll said after Carson rushed for 116 yards and two touchdowns in Seattle’s Week 16 win over Kansas City. “I hope everybody just loves the way he plays… His style and the toughness that he’s brought this team and representing the O-linemen and all the guys that have been a big part of the leadership. Chris has had a great year. It’s a great accomplishment.”
Carson becomes the second Seahawk to earn Player of the Month honors in as many months, joining rookie punter Michael Dickson, who was named NFC Special Teams Player of the Month for November.
Eye On The Hawks: Seahawks vs Cardinals
Go behind the scenes with team photographer Rod Mar as he shares moments from the Seattle Seahawks' Week 17 game against the Arizona Cardinals.
Seahawks safety Delano Hill arrives in the CenturyLink Field garage for the Week 17 contest against the visiting Arizona Cardinals.
Shaquill and Shaquem Griffin arrive at the stadium, well-dressed and camera ready.
Offensive lineman Ethan Pocic warms up on the field hours before kickoff.
In the Seahawks locker room, long snapper Tyler Ott, punter Michael Dickson, kicker Sebastian Janikowski, quarterback Russell Wilson and assistant coach Carl Smith prepare for the game.
Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson walks onto the field for his early warmups.
Receiver David Moore is all smiles as he waits to take warmup throws from quarterback Russell Wilson.
Offensive lineman Elijah Nkansah stretches on the field.
Defensive back Neiko Thorpe stretches the locker room.
Frank Clark rallies his teammates as they take the field for pregame warmups.
This 12 only has eyes for the Seahawks during the regular season home finale.
General manager John Schneider and head coach Pete Carroll talk on the field as the teams warm up.
Quarterback Russell Wilson calls a play in the huddle during the team portion of pregame warmups.
Teammates Chris Carson and David Moore hug before the team is introduced to the crowd at CenturyLink Field.
Receivers Tyler Lockett and Doug Baldwin share a moment near the north end zone as the coin toss takes place at midfield.
Seahawks cornerback Shaquill Griffin and linebacker K.J. Wright combine to bring down Arizona running back David Johnson.
Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson looks for an open receiver early in the game.
Seahawks tight end Ed Dickson sheds a would-be tackler.
Seattle's Barkevious Mingo, Shaquem Griffin and Austin Calitro make a gang tackle in the first quarter.
Seahawks running back Chris Carson looks for room up the left side.
Seahawks Shaquill Griffin and Bobby Wagner stop Cardinals running back David Johnson on third down.
Seahawks receiver Tyler Lockett flips into the end zone on his 29-yard touchdown reception from Russell Wilson in the first quarter.
Seattle middle linebacker Bobby Wagner brings down Arizona receiver Larry Fitzgerald.
Seattle's Chris Carson dives for the end zone for a touchdown that extended the Seahawks lead to 14-3 in the second quarter.
Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll reacts to Chris Carson's second quarter rushing touchdown.
Seattle's Frank Clark sacks Arizona quarterback Josh Rosen in the second quarter.
Seattle's Frank Clark celebrates after sacking Arizona's Josh Rosen.
At halftime, Seattle's Allen Stone performed a concert from the Toyota Fan Deck that overlooks the stadium.
Seahawks running back Chris Carson runs free for a 61-yard gain in the third quarter as 12s get excited.
Chris Carson barges through a big hole created by the Seahawks offensive line in the third quarter resulting in a 61-yard gain.
Seahawks running back Mike Davis scores on a 17-yard run in the third quarter.
Seahawks running back Mike Davis pretends to sleep during his touchdown celebration in the third quarter as team mascot "Blitz" urges quiet.
Seahawks Quinton Jefferson and Frank Thomas celebrate after a sack by Jefferson.
Seahawks fans bundled up and demanded defense in the fourth quarter.
Seahawks defensive tackle Jarran Reed closes in on a sack of Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen.
The Sea Gals perform at the last home game of the regular season.
Jarran Reed dives for a fumble caused when teammate Frank Clark sacked Arizona's Josh Rosen. The ball was eventually recovered by Seattle's Quinton Jefferson.
Seahawks receiver Tyler Lockett gets open and hauls in a 37-yard pass from Russell Wilson to set up a game-winning field goal attempt late in the game.
12s celebrated in the stands as the Seahawks moved into field goal position on the final drive.
Seahawks kicker Sebastian Janikowski celebrates after his game-winning field goal sailed through the uprights as the clock expired, giving Seattle a 27-24 win over the Arizona Cardinals.
After the game, receivers Doug Baldwin of the Seahawks and Larry Fitzgerald of the Cardinals shake hands near midfield.
In the locker room after the game, head coach Pete Carroll talked to his victorious team.
The Seahawks gathered for a prayer in the middle of the locker room after the game.
