Starting a second straight game in place of an injured Kenneth Walker III, second-year back Zach Charbonnet had the best game of his young NFL career, and played a big role in Sunday's 24-3 victory over the Miami Dolphins.
Charbonnet rushed for a career-best 91 yards on 18 carries, and scored a pair of touchdowns, a 4-yard score in the first quarter, and 10-yarder in the fourth quarter to cap a 98-yard drive that put the game on ice. Charbonnet also added 16 yards on three receptions.
And Charbonnet showed his elusiveness on his way to those career-best numbers. Walker is usually thought of as Seattle's shiftier back while Charbonnet is known for his power, he has shown the ability to make defenders miss in space, or to use a well-placed stiff arm or lowered shoulder to gain extra yardage. On Sunday, Charbonnet used his versatile skillset to force eight missed tackles on 21 touches, according to NFL Next Gen Stats. Those missed tackles helped Charbonnet gain 16 rushing yards over expected, and exceeded his total of six missed tackles forced on 29 touches in his first two games combined.
Charbonnet was at his best on that fourth-quarter 98-yard drive, starting things out with a 3-yard run that was important in that it got the Seahawks out of the shadow of their own end zone, making it easier for Geno Smith to complete a pass to Jaxon Smith-Njigba on the next play. Charbonnet later picked up two yards on third-and-1 to keep drive going, then he closed things out by rushing for 13, 11 and 10 yards on consecutive plays, the final run being the touchdown that put the Seahawks ahead by three scores and ended any comeback hopes Miami might have had.
"That is Zach Charbonnet at his finest," Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald said. "It's a four-quarter game. Just stick to the run game, keep trying to move them, keep running the rock, speaks to his mentality, the offensive mentality to go out and close it out."
Go behind the scenes with team photographer Rod Mar as he shares moments from the Seahawks' 24-3 win over the Miami Dolphins in Week 3 of the 2024 season.
Seahawks first-round draft choice Byron Murphy II signs autographs on the field before the game.
Seahawks receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba is all smiles in the sunshine.
Seahawks Legends Warren Moon, Cliff Avril and Bruce Irvin take in pregame warmups from the sidelines.
Seahawks receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba poses for a photo with Olympic gold medal-winning gymnast Jordan Chiles during pregame. Chiles raised the 12 Flag before kickoff.
Seahawks first-year tight end AJ Barner gets locked in before the game.
Members of the Seahawks defensive front prepare in the locker room. From left are Dre'mont Jones, Leonard Williams, Byron Murphy II and Jarran Reed.
Seahawks running back Kenny McIntosh in the locker room before the game.
Seahawks linebacker Derick Hall makes final adjustments to his uniform.
Seahawks specialists, Jason Myers, Michael Dickson and Chris Stoll head to the field.
Seahawks linebacker Tyrel Dodson confers with safeties Julian Love and Rayshawn Jenkins.
Head coach Mike Macdonald leaves the the locker room and heads to the field.
Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams is announced to the 12s during pregame introductions.
Seahawks game captains Jason Myers, Connor Williams and Devon Witherspoon at midfield for the opening coin toss.
Jason Myers nails a 56-yard field goal in the first quarter.
Seahawks pass rusher Boye Mafe gets his hand on the football as Miami quarterback Skylar Thompson tries to make a pass.
Seahawks receiver DK Metcalf uses his size and strength to outmuscle a defender for a competed pass in the first quarter.
Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet scores a touchdown in the first quarter.
The Seahawks Dancers shined in the autumn sunshine.
A gang of Seahawks defenders led by Tyrice Knight (48) makes a tackle in the first quarter.
Seahawks receiver DK Metcalf got behind the Dolphins defense for a 71-yard touchdown on a pass from Geno Smith.
12s in the south end zone erupt as DK Metcalf arrives after a 71-yard touchdown reception.
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith connects wtih receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
Seahawks Boye Mafe and Derick Hall celebrate a defensive stop in the second quarter.
Derick Hall's big hit dislodges the helmet from a Dolphins ballcarrier.
Seahawks linebacker Derick Hall forces a fumble by Dolphins quarterback Skylar Thompson.
Derick Hall celebrates his forced fumble in front of coach Mike Macdonald and the Seahawks' sideline.
Seahawks linebacker Tyrel Dodson celebrates a sack with teammate Derick Hall.
The Seahawks defense makes a goal line stand in the fourth quarter led by Julian Love, Tyrel Dodson and Derick Hall.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon leaps high to make sure a fourth down pass by the Dolphins falls incomplete.
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith finds Jaxon Smith-Njigba across the middle.
Seahawks receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba finds daylight as Zach Charbonnet blocks downfield.
Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet barrels through Dolphins defenders on Seattle's 98-yard scoring drive in the fourth quarter.
Seahawks offensive line coach Scott Huff gets a playful shove from guard Laken Tomlinson as they celebrate on the sideline in the final minutes of the win.
Quarterback Geno Smith and head coach Mike Macdonald congratulate each other in the victorious Seahawks locker room.
Seahawks linebacker Derick Hall humbly accepts a game ball and is congratulated by teammates in the locker room after the victory.
