Seahawks running back Rashaad Penny helped carry the offense on his back in Week 4 (pun intended), rushing for 151 yards and two touchdowns on 17 carries. As Seattle climbs back to .500, Penny is keeping the momentum going from his 2021 season.
Four games into his fifth season, Penny is just beginning to hit his stride. In Sunday's 48-45 victory over the Detroit Lions, Penny went over the century mark on the ground for the first time in 2022.
Penny broke out late in the 2021 season, rushing for a career-high 749 yards and 6 touchdowns in 10 games (6.3 yards per carry). After battling with injuries, mental health issues and for playing time - Penny revealed that he was in a better headspace last season.
"I feel like I wasn't making myself happy," said Penny. "I feel like I was always trying to make everybody's expectations," he said. "The last month or two months of last season, I was happy with myself, so I felt like that kind of played into how I played."
Penny currently ranks No. 5 in yards per carry league-wide (6.0), and ranks twelfth in yards (292).
In his postgame presser following the win, Penny discussed his late-game touchdown to secure the win. As the Lions loaded the box to prepare for the inside run, Penny took the handoff and bounced it outside to daylight for the score. The spectacular play was actually designed to go inside - but Penny and rookie tackle Charles Cross redirected outside to spring the run for the score.
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Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith had quite the day himself, throwing for 320 yards and two touchdowns. But the veteran showed his enthusiasm postgame for Penny, as he continues to lead the way for Seattle on the ground.
"It's so fun just watching him score, running down the field and making guys miss," said Smith. "Penny's an exciting player, explosive player. I'm just happy for him to really be able to just lead the charge, really lead the charge. He's doing an outstanding job and we're going to count on him. We're going to need him all year."
In his last 10 games, Penny has rushed for over 100 yards five times. Seattle hopes that he can stay healthy and productive, but mental health matters first and foremost.
The Seahawks face the Lions in Detroit for Week 4 of the season at Ford Field on October 2, 2022. Game action photos are presented by Washington's Lottery.
