Despite the turnover, which contributed to the end of Seattle's 12-game winning streak, Macdonald emphasized that the coaching staff remains committed to the young playmaker. Speaking on Monday, the head coach noted that while there are fundamental aspects of ball protection that require attention, the team intends to continue utilizing Price in the offensive rotation. Macdonald expressed confidence in the rookie's work ethic and his ability to rectify the issue moving forward.
Managing the Backfield Rotation
The handling of Price during Sunday's contest marked a shift in strategy compared to the previous week. Following a fumble in the win over the Arizona Cardinals, the coaching staff immediately returned to the rookie on the subsequent drive. However, after his error against Washington at the 11:06 mark of the first quarter, Price did not receive another carry until the third quarter. He finished the game with 15 yards on five carries and one reception for 7 yards, logging 19 of the team's 67 offensive snaps.
The workload was distributed across the backfield, with Emanuel Wilson and George Holani each playing 24 snaps. Wilson recorded nine carries for 14 yards, while Holani contributed 58 yards on eight touches. Quarterback Sam Darnold also offered support for his teammate, stating that the locker room remains behind the rookie as he navigates the early stages of his professional career.
Context and Future Outlook
The focus on ball security comes as the Seahawks look to maintain their offensive efficiency. Price, selected 32nd overall, has accumulated 119 yards on 28 attempts across three games, averaging 4.3 yards per carry, though he is still searching for his first NFL touchdown. His recent struggles contrast with the reliability shown by predecessors like Ken Walker III and Zach Charbonnet, who maintained high standards of ball security during their time with the franchise.
Looking ahead, the Seahawks are evaluating the status of Charbonnet, who is currently on the Physically Unable to Perform list following ACL surgery in February. Macdonald indicated that the team will make a decision by Tuesday regarding whether to open Charbonnet's 21-day practice window this week, a move that could provide additional depth and competition in the Seattle backfield.
