Jadarian Price hit the bench during the 33-31 loss to the Washington Commanders after fumbling the ball a second time in as many weeks, and Seahawks fans are definitely feeling that rookie growing pain. Our first-round pick, expected to be an immediate contributor, had flashes of explosive runs and proved himself a receiving threat out of the backfield. But two fumbles in two games? That’s just not gonna fly for Coach Mike Macdonald.
Macdonald Pulled Price, Then Explained Why
The second fumble in that nail-biter against Washington was enough for the Seahawks to pull Price until the two-minute drill of the first half. Price managed only two more carries and just six total touches for 21 yards all game. Look, it’s tough love, for sure. He’s a rookie, and he doesn’t have the same leeway as a seasoned veteran. Macdonald kept it real after the game, saying, “I think just as a team, if we turn the ball over, it’s not good business.” He added, “When you come back after the initial fumble, we decide to calm it down and bring it back after the half. He’s gonna be fine. He’s gonna figure it out, he’ll be fine.” Price owned it too, telling reporters, “I made a mistake. Just got to deal with the consequences.” We respect that honesty, but the 12s know ball security is non-negotiable.
This Ain’t a New Issue for Our Rookie
Here’s the thing: this fumbling problem isn’t a new development for Price. It actually came up in his final season at Notre Dame, where he fumbled three times (losing two of them) on only 113 carries. What makes that even more concerning? All those fumbles last year were inside the opposition’s 10-yard line. That’s probably why Seattle has been hesitant to hand him the rock in goal-to-go situations already. Combining his college and pro stats, Price has five fumbles over just 15 games and 141 carries. That’s a fumble every 28 attempts, basically two full games worth of carries. Compare that to someone like James Cook of the Buffalo Bills, who led all NFL running backs with six fumbles last season, but on a massive 309 carries, and oh yeah, he also led the league in rushing yards. Price just hasn’t built up that kind of equity yet for these turnovers to be a minor detail.
Where Do the Hawks Go From Here on the Ground?
The ground game against Washington was practically non-existent, and it wasn’t like Emanuel Wilson or George Holani were blowing anyone away either. This all comes with Zach Charbonnet out for at least another two weeks. We’re used to rock-solid ball security from our running backs, like Kenneth Walker III who never lost a fumble with the Seahawks, and Zach who still hasn’t fumbled once in his career. Walker, by the way, is on another team now and looking like an Offensive Player of the Year candidate, which just highlights the standard we’ve been blessed with. For Price, it’s about getting back to basics. We need him to figure this out, and fast, because with Charbonnet sidelined, he’s gotta be the guy. Here’s hoping he irons out the kinks before the next matchup, because the Emerald City needs a reliable ground attack for this season.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Field Gulls.
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