Thank you for this article. It is exactly what my eyes saw, as well. I did not see K9 jump-cut or shift out of a running lane to get himself into a jam. I did not see him reverse his field and lose yardage rather than putting his head down to get the 1 or 2 he could, as in previous years. I saw him have a dude in his earhole just as he was being handed the ball all day long. I just don't see how anyone can claim he contributed anything to that nasty YBC number. They needed to make them pay for stacking the box and shooting gaps indiscriminately, and they just didn't do that enough to get the 9ers off their gameplan.
Now, we get to see how our staff responds and gameplans for a different opponent. Here's to turning it around!
Thanks to SSJ for taking up for Ken Walker the 4th. I left off saying that yesterday and am reminded by seeing a link to us claiming "Walker Never Had A Chance!" Bingo. If criticism is warranted, then let it fly, but will not take part in lynch mobs. Last I year I bet big (for me) hoping to see us bring something Kick Ass to the fields of contest. This year I cut the bet in half and will not again finance the bitter disappointment I felt after we folded late in the year. I will not cheapen the effort I was asking for, though. Something very difficult is going on here with calling offenses. I am betting we will identify those problems this year. If it was easy, everybody would be doing so. Time to hunker down and go hunting kneecaps.
I look at the clips you’ve shown us and I see no way for Walker to go anywhere. All the talk about Charbonnet being the clearly better RB just seems to ignore that. But what do I know. I’m just a fan.
From niners site...On the other hand, the Seahawks' 69-yard touchdown drive had two passes (one that resulted in pass interference) and nine runs (6 yards, 5 yards, 5 yards, 4 yards, 2 yards, 4 yards, 4 yards, -1 yard, and a 1-yard touchdown run). Taken as a group, that's 30 yards on nine carries—a pitiful 3.3 yards per carry.
However, when you realize there was only one negative play, and the other carry for short yardage was a touchdown, the yards per carry was actually 4.3. That's not all that good. My eyes told me Seattle was running up the middle with no problem.
This is one small example of our over reaction to a lack of run game. We can run the ball, we just need to get more consistent and efficient. And I have a feeling Walker will be a big part of the running game. Once he rips one off, it will shift focus to him which opens up the pass game more.
We really are an impatient fan base. These guys need some time to gel and the coaches will self scout and dial it in. We just need to be a little patient...which sucks to say, but it's true. This is only the beginning.
Joe-stradamus great insight. Throughout the game I (and it appears many others) was thinking how much better Charbs looking in the zone scheme. I appreciate the deep dive on why K9 was struggling. I think it’s fair to give KK some time to figure out what plays work best for his personnel and how defenses are scheming against us.
If K9 doesn't end up working out in Seattle, it is what it is. I can't help but think that if he goes to "the right team" in 2026, it's gonna be a "What if?" Ahman Green situation.
The real Ken Walker hits the hole like a lightning bolt. When the hole isn't much of a hole, often due to a crappy O line, the lightning bolt explores at least one, if not two other holes while hauling 4 or more tacklers. I saw #9 haul 4 or 5 49rs on only one play, not like the real K9.
We fans will never know the real story on player readiness or injury status, especially w/MM.
Missed lots of pre-season w/"foot injury", AFTER the off-season? K9's playing hurt.
NFL RB is a short-lived experience. For every Derrick Henry, there's a hundred Thomas Rawls and Chris Carsons. Best wishes for K9 to find Henry's fountain of RB longevity...
I have to think that getting the run game sorted and K9 running wild has to be the top goal of the offensive coaches right now. This team is set up to do that and won't succeed without it happening.
IMHO some adjustments on offense were needed, but I am not sure more play-action would have helped. With the run being stuffed the way it was what do you suppose would happen with play-action? If the defense is crashing down on the running backs, aren't they also going to be all over the mesh-point? The thing that makes play action work is the defense hesitating not sure if it is a run or a pass, it looked to me they were not worried about our pass game and were on a mission to shut down our run.
I've been advocating for moving K9 to WR for over a year. Though, I agree with the articles premise that K9 did not have the same holes Charbs did.
I am most disappointed that we did not use play action a lot more. It seems like coaching malpractice what Klint's playbook included so many empty backfield wildcat or shotgun sets. I wanted more FB action and way more play action.
I read a quote from a very successful coach (can't remember his name right now) that said that "play action was a coaches nest friend". We need more of for sure.
Analyzing K9 and Charbs in the run game is OK to do, but what about their talents in the passing game out of the backfield? Maybe if that had existed in a real way we wouldn't be so caught up with the stats SJ analyzes here. (Watching Aaron Jones Sr. score last weekend on a long route instantly made me think "K9 is faster than Jones and has great hands so..."
A little more info on the running according to run scheme from PFF. Charbs had 9 zone runs and 2 gap runs, while Walker had 4 zone runs and 6 gap runs.
I've rewatched the attached clip of his runs several times now while focusing on every individual O-lineman, as well as his cuts at the decisive moment with regard to where his blockers are vs. defenders. These are my takeaways:
-AB was the worst o-lineman at run blocking and it's not even close.
-Zabel was just ok and little lost, or slow to react, once or twice
-Our two tackles are really good players
-Bosa and Warner are really really good players
-Ken's vision looked good to me and better days are ahead
Agree. Only in the 3rd clip does it look like Bradford is actually playing football. In the other two he’s looks lost and looking for something to do while everyone else is flying around or past him.
I am of the opinion to give Walker some more time and opps.
But I am also of the opinion that he has been really bad. Last year was atrociously bad. His vision is brutal and makes the line appear worse than they actually are since he moves laterally instead of north/south and repeatedly misses the hole. Charbs is the opposite, where he hits the hole and gets north and south with quickness and power.
But, I have also seen Walker almost single handedly beat Michigan while at Michigan State. And his year 1 here with the Hawks was electrifying. Give him more opps to see if that home run power comes back.
So, I like the setup. Keep giving both of them the ball. Keep coaching Walker up. I do agree that his blocking last game was worse than Charbs. So I think is a combo of many things not just one thing right now.
Finally, I think this whole operation and team just needs some time. It's only been one week. Keep the ship steady, I don't see any reason to change course right now from the offseason plan.
Everything can change very quickly. A win next week in Pitt would be a great way to start the conversation changes. And hey, maybe K9 goes for a 60-yard TD run or screen pass? Would be great to see. Seahawks would be at their best with both K9 and Charbs, especially since we know we are running the ball this year.
It's hard for me in real time to sort out where his reads are, but he does seem to frequently bounce outside when there is a crease for him to attack. A few great examples in the article. I expect the coaches will point that out when they watch the film, so hopefully it's correctable.
I remember the Michigan vs Michigan State game as well, so was pretty stoked when we drafted him. But, what works in college sometimes does not work in the NFL, and I'm not sure he's refined his approach from his college days. You can't just beat NFL LB's and DB's with speed to the outside, especially if the scouting report says 'he frequently will bounce runs outside, even when there is a crease to attack'. He needs to adapt. Nothing more frustrating for blockers than to have things sealed off pretty well (I did my job), only to turn around and see a pile of bodies elsewhere at or near the LOS (K9 didn't do his).
That’s an excellent article. Thanks for sharing. And agree with your whole comment
It goes into detail as to why Walkers yards before contact are not just an o line issue for K9. He bounces the runs laterally so that he is contacted behind the line of scrimmage whereas if he plants and goes up field he he would have more yards before contact.
Great stuff.
The issue with K9 is when have we seen enough? When is it time to pull the plug on someone who has been good in the past?
I’m not there yet but his issues are pretty clear and this has been ongoing for years now.
I mistakenly thought that on the 4th and less than a yard ,they would run over the left side with a TE and FB leading the way. Unfortunately, the stats on the descepency between Charbs running to the left vs. Walker to the right just proves that Bradford is not the answer at RG. We need a replacement ASAP.
The O-line isn't for or against either Walker or Charbonnet, instead more concerned on executing their blocks and hitting their spots along the line of scrimmage. Its up to the running backs to read the line and use the vision and execute. Though Walker's feet are quicker, Charbonnet's vision/processing is quicker than Walker's feet and sometimes that's all you need in the NFL
On the YBC, you'll get less yards before contact if you continue to run laterally with the hopes of bouncing one outside. He's doing what he's always done which is look for the HR while bouncing outside. Charbonnet looked more decisive and north to south than Walker. I'd work off of Charbs this next game instead of Walker. Pittsburgh gave up 140+ to Jets and we need to go in there, be about our business and punch them in the mouth from play 1. I'm sure you won't have to ask Charbonnet twice
Charbonnet probably is quicker to read the field. I don’t think 20-30 snaps on the current version of the Seahawks is enough time to say for sure that Walker is the problem.
I never meant to imply that the offensive line is for or against anyone.
Valid point, I hear you. I just think that, more than having to see how the O-line plays out, Walker is making the same mistakes. You're right, too little of a sample size to blow up the whole operation, but I would've loved to have seen him fail making a different kind of mistake that happens to any RB going into a new season with no preseason snaps instead of the same mistake he's made with every other line formation he's had since arriving to Seattle.
On a side note, In the offseason, the Seahawks talked about "bully ball" play style and a "running it down your throat" kind of run game. All things being equal, and irrespective of Walker, Charbonnet can embody that in spades and I'd like to see the Hawks put that offseason bravado speak to use and HIT THEM IN THE MOUTH.
Frisco just gave our O-Line Coaches Master Class film on what it will take to win against the A+ defensive assaults. Exactly what this young group needs. Seems Kubiak's schemes were surprising nobody, which I fault MacDonald with. Tell us how to hide intentions, MM. Maybe with Bradford, that's not possible.
Thank you for this article. It is exactly what my eyes saw, as well. I did not see K9 jump-cut or shift out of a running lane to get himself into a jam. I did not see him reverse his field and lose yardage rather than putting his head down to get the 1 or 2 he could, as in previous years. I saw him have a dude in his earhole just as he was being handed the ball all day long. I just don't see how anyone can claim he contributed anything to that nasty YBC number. They needed to make them pay for stacking the box and shooting gaps indiscriminately, and they just didn't do that enough to get the 9ers off their gameplan.
Now, we get to see how our staff responds and gameplans for a different opponent. Here's to turning it around!
Thanks to SSJ for taking up for Ken Walker the 4th. I left off saying that yesterday and am reminded by seeing a link to us claiming "Walker Never Had A Chance!" Bingo. If criticism is warranted, then let it fly, but will not take part in lynch mobs. Last I year I bet big (for me) hoping to see us bring something Kick Ass to the fields of contest. This year I cut the bet in half and will not again finance the bitter disappointment I felt after we folded late in the year. I will not cheapen the effort I was asking for, though. Something very difficult is going on here with calling offenses. I am betting we will identify those problems this year. If it was easy, everybody would be doing so. Time to hunker down and go hunting kneecaps.
I look at the clips you’ve shown us and I see no way for Walker to go anywhere. All the talk about Charbonnet being the clearly better RB just seems to ignore that. But what do I know. I’m just a fan.
Interesting one in the Athletic if you like the numbers game behind the game.
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6575493/2025/09/10/nfl-salary-cap-eagles-spending-trend/?source=athletic_scoopcity_newsletter&campaign=14864087&userId=27484459
From niners site...On the other hand, the Seahawks' 69-yard touchdown drive had two passes (one that resulted in pass interference) and nine runs (6 yards, 5 yards, 5 yards, 4 yards, 2 yards, 4 yards, 4 yards, -1 yard, and a 1-yard touchdown run). Taken as a group, that's 30 yards on nine carries—a pitiful 3.3 yards per carry.
However, when you realize there was only one negative play, and the other carry for short yardage was a touchdown, the yards per carry was actually 4.3. That's not all that good. My eyes told me Seattle was running up the middle with no problem.
This is one small example of our over reaction to a lack of run game. We can run the ball, we just need to get more consistent and efficient. And I have a feeling Walker will be a big part of the running game. Once he rips one off, it will shift focus to him which opens up the pass game more.
https://www.49erswebzone.com/articles/194036-49ers-defense-seahawks-perception-reality/
Exactly. One rip changes the narrative entirely.
We really are an impatient fan base. These guys need some time to gel and the coaches will self scout and dial it in. We just need to be a little patient...which sucks to say, but it's true. This is only the beginning.
Joe-stradamus great insight. Throughout the game I (and it appears many others) was thinking how much better Charbs looking in the zone scheme. I appreciate the deep dive on why K9 was struggling. I think it’s fair to give KK some time to figure out what plays work best for his personnel and how defenses are scheming against us.
If K9 doesn't end up working out in Seattle, it is what it is. I can't help but think that if he goes to "the right team" in 2026, it's gonna be a "What if?" Ahman Green situation.
“Was that a product of Klint Kubiak’s playcalling, the different situational needs for each running back, bad luck, or a combination of all three?”
Not to mention a receiver group that struck confidence into the hearts of the Niner defense.
That wasn't Ken Walker out there vs. 49rs.
The real Ken Walker hits the hole like a lightning bolt. When the hole isn't much of a hole, often due to a crappy O line, the lightning bolt explores at least one, if not two other holes while hauling 4 or more tacklers. I saw #9 haul 4 or 5 49rs on only one play, not like the real K9.
We fans will never know the real story on player readiness or injury status, especially w/MM.
Missed lots of pre-season w/"foot injury", AFTER the off-season? K9's playing hurt.
NFL RB is a short-lived experience. For every Derrick Henry, there's a hundred Thomas Rawls and Chris Carsons. Best wishes for K9 to find Henry's fountain of RB longevity...
I have to think that getting the run game sorted and K9 running wild has to be the top goal of the offensive coaches right now. This team is set up to do that and won't succeed without it happening.
IMHO some adjustments on offense were needed, but I am not sure more play-action would have helped. With the run being stuffed the way it was what do you suppose would happen with play-action? If the defense is crashing down on the running backs, aren't they also going to be all over the mesh-point? The thing that makes play action work is the defense hesitating not sure if it is a run or a pass, it looked to me they were not worried about our pass game and were on a mission to shut down our run.
Exactly.
I've been advocating for moving K9 to WR for over a year. Though, I agree with the articles premise that K9 did not have the same holes Charbs did.
I am most disappointed that we did not use play action a lot more. It seems like coaching malpractice what Klint's playbook included so many empty backfield wildcat or shotgun sets. I wanted more FB action and way more play action.
I read a quote from a very successful coach (can't remember his name right now) that said that "play action was a coaches nest friend". We need more of for sure.
Analyzing K9 and Charbs in the run game is OK to do, but what about their talents in the passing game out of the backfield? Maybe if that had existed in a real way we wouldn't be so caught up with the stats SJ analyzes here. (Watching Aaron Jones Sr. score last weekend on a long route instantly made me think "K9 is faster than Jones and has great hands so..."
A little more info on the running according to run scheme from PFF. Charbs had 9 zone runs and 2 gap runs, while Walker had 4 zone runs and 6 gap runs.
This is good to know also!
I've rewatched the attached clip of his runs several times now while focusing on every individual O-lineman, as well as his cuts at the decisive moment with regard to where his blockers are vs. defenders. These are my takeaways:
-AB was the worst o-lineman at run blocking and it's not even close.
-Zabel was just ok and little lost, or slow to react, once or twice
-Our two tackles are really good players
-Bosa and Warner are really really good players
-Ken's vision looked good to me and better days are ahead
Agree. Only in the 3rd clip does it look like Bradford is actually playing football. In the other two he’s looks lost and looking for something to do while everyone else is flying around or past him.
Great, thank you for these points! Helps me to hear from you all on these clips.
I am of the opinion to give Walker some more time and opps.
But I am also of the opinion that he has been really bad. Last year was atrociously bad. His vision is brutal and makes the line appear worse than they actually are since he moves laterally instead of north/south and repeatedly misses the hole. Charbs is the opposite, where he hits the hole and gets north and south with quickness and power.
But, I have also seen Walker almost single handedly beat Michigan while at Michigan State. And his year 1 here with the Hawks was electrifying. Give him more opps to see if that home run power comes back.
So, I like the setup. Keep giving both of them the ball. Keep coaching Walker up. I do agree that his blocking last game was worse than Charbs. So I think is a combo of many things not just one thing right now.
Finally, I think this whole operation and team just needs some time. It's only been one week. Keep the ship steady, I don't see any reason to change course right now from the offseason plan.
Everything can change very quickly. A win next week in Pitt would be a great way to start the conversation changes. And hey, maybe K9 goes for a 60-yard TD run or screen pass? Would be great to see. Seahawks would be at their best with both K9 and Charbs, especially since we know we are running the ball this year.
This article speaks to some of the issues I have with Walker.
https://www.fieldgulls.com/seattle-seahawks-news/149844/why-ken-walker-is-not-seahawks-lead-back-2025-charbonnet
It's hard for me in real time to sort out where his reads are, but he does seem to frequently bounce outside when there is a crease for him to attack. A few great examples in the article. I expect the coaches will point that out when they watch the film, so hopefully it's correctable.
I remember the Michigan vs Michigan State game as well, so was pretty stoked when we drafted him. But, what works in college sometimes does not work in the NFL, and I'm not sure he's refined his approach from his college days. You can't just beat NFL LB's and DB's with speed to the outside, especially if the scouting report says 'he frequently will bounce runs outside, even when there is a crease to attack'. He needs to adapt. Nothing more frustrating for blockers than to have things sealed off pretty well (I did my job), only to turn around and see a pile of bodies elsewhere at or near the LOS (K9 didn't do his).
That’s an excellent article. Thanks for sharing. And agree with your whole comment
It goes into detail as to why Walkers yards before contact are not just an o line issue for K9. He bounces the runs laterally so that he is contacted behind the line of scrimmage whereas if he plants and goes up field he he would have more yards before contact.
Great stuff.
The issue with K9 is when have we seen enough? When is it time to pull the plug on someone who has been good in the past?
I’m not there yet but his issues are pretty clear and this has been ongoing for years now.
No question Charbs is the better back right now.
I mistakenly thought that on the 4th and less than a yard ,they would run over the left side with a TE and FB leading the way. Unfortunately, the stats on the descepency between Charbs running to the left vs. Walker to the right just proves that Bradford is not the answer at RG. We need a replacement ASAP.
The O-line isn't for or against either Walker or Charbonnet, instead more concerned on executing their blocks and hitting their spots along the line of scrimmage. Its up to the running backs to read the line and use the vision and execute. Though Walker's feet are quicker, Charbonnet's vision/processing is quicker than Walker's feet and sometimes that's all you need in the NFL
On the YBC, you'll get less yards before contact if you continue to run laterally with the hopes of bouncing one outside. He's doing what he's always done which is look for the HR while bouncing outside. Charbonnet looked more decisive and north to south than Walker. I'd work off of Charbs this next game instead of Walker. Pittsburgh gave up 140+ to Jets and we need to go in there, be about our business and punch them in the mouth from play 1. I'm sure you won't have to ask Charbonnet twice
Breece was successful against the Steelers as a north-south runner. I don't even recall many outside runs by the Jets.
Charbonnet probably is quicker to read the field. I don’t think 20-30 snaps on the current version of the Seahawks is enough time to say for sure that Walker is the problem.
I never meant to imply that the offensive line is for or against anyone.
Valid point, I hear you. I just think that, more than having to see how the O-line plays out, Walker is making the same mistakes. You're right, too little of a sample size to blow up the whole operation, but I would've loved to have seen him fail making a different kind of mistake that happens to any RB going into a new season with no preseason snaps instead of the same mistake he's made with every other line formation he's had since arriving to Seattle.
On a side note, In the offseason, the Seahawks talked about "bully ball" play style and a "running it down your throat" kind of run game. All things being equal, and irrespective of Walker, Charbonnet can embody that in spades and I'd like to see the Hawks put that offseason bravado speak to use and HIT THEM IN THE MOUTH.
Frisco just gave our O-Line Coaches Master Class film on what it will take to win against the A+ defensive assaults. Exactly what this young group needs. Seems Kubiak's schemes were surprising nobody, which I fault MacDonald with. Tell us how to hide intentions, MM. Maybe with Bradford, that's not possible.