2015 Offseason Outlook: RBs and FBs

Key Returning Players:

• Robert Turbin, RB
• Christine Michael, RB
• Derrick Coleman, FB

Key Free Agents:

• None

Key Question Marks:

• Marshawn Lynch, RB

Ah, we're finally on to the post about the backfield.  There are essentially two scenarios that can play out for SEA.  In one scenario, this is a rather straightforward projection which leaves it essentially unchanged from last year.  In the other scenario, it becomes a frightening proposition with players battling for carries and the possibility of no clear #1 back.  The key to both of these scenarios, of course, is whether or not Marshawn Lynch decides to come back for another year.  

Now, I have no affiliation or connections to the team and in no way consider myself an expert on the Seattle Seahawks.  That being said, I believe Lynch will come back for at least next season.  I think the Seahawks will offer him a 2 year extension(with a raise in his overall money), which would possibly keep him in SEA through 2017.  I'm assuming the contract would give them the ability to part ways after any if the seasons if Lynch's skills would greatly diminish.  I also wouldn't be surprised if Lynch would retire after another season or 2, especially if SEA can win another Super Bowl.  

Aside from Lynch, the Seahawks have a running back that they know exactly what to expect from in Robert Turbin.  He's a consistent, but unexciting RB.  Turbin has good speed, but always seems to get ankle tackled or taken down by the first guy.  He did seem to run harder this season as there were a few instances where he bulled guys over.  Turbin is sure-handed (except on kickoffs it seems, see 2013 AZ game in SEA) and is a threat as a pass catcher out of the backfield.  Next season is his last year under contract.

Christine Michael, on the other hand, is the complete opposite of Turbin in that he's a dynamic playmaker, but we have no idea what we can expect from him.  There must be a reason that he hasn't been able to supplant Turbin and get more carries.  Maybe he makes incorrect reads at the line?  He does have a fumbling issue, so that's probably part of it.  C-Mike is just such an explosive talent that his misuse in an offense that prides itself on explosive plays is mind-boggling.  For this reason, I'm not sure that we can count on him in the long run.

If Lynch returns, I would expect much the same situation as this year.  Lynch gets the bulk of the carries, finishes with over 1000 yds and around 10 TDs.  Turbin takes the #2 share of the snaps, and C-Mike gets the leftovers.  I wouldn't be surprised if the Seahawks draft another RB this season, with it obviously being a high priority if Lynch retires.  There's always the chance they could try to trade C-Mike and have a new guy be the #3.  Not sure how much C-Mike would be worth on the market however, probably only a late round pick.  The team also seemed high on Demetrius Bronson last season before his injury.

The FB (fullback, get your mind out of the gutter!) situation is a little more cut and dry.  Derrick Coleman will be back and will be the only FB to make the team.  He's a core special teamer and is much more athletic than Tukuafu was.  Coleman could play RB in an emergency due to his background as a RB at UCLA.  Coleman is also a threat to catch the ball out of the backfield and go all Spider 2 Y Banana-y on the opposition.  

Really, the situation in the backfield centers around Marshawn Lynch, as it should.  Here's hoping that he makes his decision before the draft to make the future clearer for the front office.