Rejoining the NFL ranks after huge success at USC, Pete Carroll faces a tough decision as the head coach of the Seattle Seahawks, but it’s a tough decision that he created for himself.
The 2009 season saw Julius Jones and Justin Forsett take up most of the time at runningback for the Seahawks. Julius Jones started 14 games and amassed 663 yards and 2 touchdowns, averaging just over 3.5 yards per carry. His 35 receptions for 232 receiving yards and an additional 2 touchdowns were nice, but it’s obvious that he’s not going to be a Pro Bowl running back. Justin Forsett started the other two games, amassing 619 yards and 4 touchdowns in 60 fewer carries than Jones, averaging nearly 5.5 yards per carry. Include the passing game and Forsett tacked on 41 receptions and 350 yards and an additional touchdown. His four fumbles could be seen as problematic, though.
That’s why this offseason, Pete Carroll brought in two more runningbacks who could have a major impact.
LenDale White, who played for Carroll at USC, didn’t start for the Tennessee Titans last year, but in 13 games he had 2 touchdowns on a third as many carries as Julius Jones (and half as many as Forsett). White’s potential is clearly seen when you look back at the 2008 season, where he had 15 touchdowns.
Highly sought after Leon Washington, who has averaged over 4.5 yards per carry during each of his four seasons in the NFL, was also brought to Seattle. Although Washington didn’t have any touchdowns in 2009, he only played half the season. Going back to 2008, he picked up 8 touchdowns and averaged 5.9 yards per carry for the Jets.
One would have to think that Julius Jones or Justin Forsett would be on the trading block. Pete Carroll has stated that he’s hoping to get a pass rusher, and while Seattle would probably be more ready to part ways with the aging Jones, they might get a better player in exchange if they were willing to part ways with Forsett. Leon Washington does have some injury concerns, however, so I would be surprised if the Seahawks don’t stick with three of the four going into 2010. It would be a waste for them to keep all four guys on the roster, though, so expect them to make a decision in the relatively near future and make a trade to help their defense.
