With the season on the line, Seattle dominated the New York Jets in a 23-6 New Year's Day win. Offensively, the contributions of rookie running back Kenneth Walker III and veteran DeeJay Dallas came in the clutch in different ways.

Walker eclipsed the 100-yard mark on the ground for the fourth time, while Dallas led Seattle in receiving yards with 55. The pair helped Seattle control the clock, and stay in playoff contention with the win.

On 23 carries, Walker rushed for 133 yards, averaging 5.8 yards per carry. Kicking off the game with a 60-yard run on the opening play, Walker evaded defenders and pounded for extra yardage all afternoon. Dallas chipped in 43 yards on the ground on just seven carries, averaging 6.1 yards per touch. Through the air, Dallas gashed New York on three receptions at 18.3 yards per catch. Add to the offensive production all of Dallas' special teams contributions, and as Carroll put it on Monday, Dallas, "might have been the MVP of that game." 

Coach Carroll discussed the versatility of Dallas, emerging on special teams and in the backfield.

"I thought he played a great game," said Carroll. "He was all over both aspects of it: The pass game, run game, pass pro too. He had a couple good blocks. I thought he had one of his better games and ran hard, ran tough. Really nice one-two punch the way that was hitting. Felt good"

While fighting through a nagging ankle injury, Dallas has become a key player for a backfield hit by the injury bug. Dallas was Pro Football Focus' highest-graded Seahawk on offense (88.6) for Week 17. Walker, meanwhile, needs just 64 yards to join Curt Warner as the only backs to reach 1,000-yards as rookies in franchise history. Seattle will need the duo in Week 18's home finale against the Los Angeles Rams to keep the magic going into the playoffs.