Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
It’s still early, but the Seattle Seahawks have a lot to be excited about when it comes to rookie running back Christine Michael. Making his NFL debut this past Sunday, the 2013 second-round pick saw the field in garbage time and took advantage of the opportunity.
Getting the ball on nine different occasions, Michael racked up 37 rushing yards, including an 11-yard scamper on his first career carry. While his production came against a lackluster Jacksonville Jaguars defense when the game was already out of reach, the Texas A&M product gave the Seahawks a glimpse of what’s to come.
While it was obvious that this was his first NFL game – on one play he fell down behind the line of scrimmage without being touched – there were also flashes of what could easily develop into starting-caliber talent.
During his limited snaps, Michael put on a show for the Seahawks. He made a ferocious jump cut to avoid an oncoming defender, spun off another and consistently burst through the hole with impressive explosion. Put simply, Michael displayed the type of talent that featured backs are made of.
After the Seahawks pulled starter Marshawn Lynch, Michael took over as the featured back while second-year runner Robert Turbin remained in his third-down role. If Lynch were to fall to injury at some point this season, the same situation would likely play out.
Turbin finished the game with three carries for five yards.
If it wasn’t for Michael spending most of his senior year at Texas A&M in the doghouse, he might have been drafted even higher. He’s arguably the most physically-gifted running back of the 2013 draft class and is clearly capable of producing big numbers, evidenced by his 201 rushing yards (5.0 per carry) during the preseason.
It might be some time before Michael earns a significant role with the Seahawks, but the future is bright for the young back.
Related Links
What Does Russell Okung’s Injury Mean for Seattle Seahawks?
Seattle Seahawks’ Defense Is A Force To Be Reckoned With
Gil Alcaraz IV is the Content Planner for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @GilAlcarazIV, like him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
