Seahawks Shift to Run-First Offense, Charbonnet Impresses Kubiak

As of August 14th, 2025, the Seattle Seahawks are preparing for a significant shift in their offensive approach under new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak. Despite the team's high-profile free agent signings of QB Sam Darnold and WR Cooper Kupp, Kubiak has made it clear that this will be a run-first and run-second offense.

Kubiak, speaking in a recent interview, highlighted the top qualities he values in elite NFL running backs - intelligence and availability. He specifically praised Zach Charbonnet's "extremely impressive" mental approach to the game, hinting that the second-year back may have an edge over the more athletically gifted Kenneth Walker III, who has struggled with injuries since the start of the 2024 season.

This could signal a potential change in the Seahawks' backfield hierarchy, with the team potentially exploring a running back-by-committee approach in the 2025 season - a strategy they have not employed during the John Schneider era. While there has been speculation about the team trading Walker, no concrete reports have surfaced on that possibility as of now.

Ultimately, the Seahawks' shift to a run-first offense and Kubiak's preference for cerebral running backs could have a significant impact on the team's offensive identity and personnel decisions in the coming season.