Former Alabama All-American running back, Eddie Lacy, will have a heavy burden to bear in 2017 after signing with the Seattle Seahawks in free agency. Fans continue to feel a hole in their hearts from Marshawn Lynch’s retirement prior to the 2016 season, and Lacy will be expected to fill it.
In his first two seasons with the Green Bay Packers he rushed for 1178 and 1139 yards, respectively, in addition to 20 touchdowns. His third season saw a drop in production as he only managed 758 yards and three scores, but had 60-less carries than the years before.
Before the start of the 2016 season, Packers’ Head Coach Mike McCarthy spoke publicly on his concerns with Lacy’s weight saying that he “[could not] play at the weight he played at [that] year.” When the season rolled back around Lacy was in shape and ready to roll, but an injury caused him miss all but five games. On 71 carries in those five games, he rushed for 360 yards, had a career-high yards-per-carry of 5.1, and was on track for another 1,000-yard season.
As a part of his contract with Seattle, he can earn an additional $385,000 through a series of weigh-ins should his weight stay around 250. The first weigh-in was a success as he clocked in at 253 – under the required 255-pound-mark.
When the 2017 season rolls around, fans of the Seahawks will get their wish despite ‘Beast Mode’ suiting up in black and silver. Formerly known as ‘Circle Button’ for his patented spin moves, Eddie Lacy will be everything Seattle has been missing.
He is a powerful, downhill runner with surprising speed when he gets into open field. His best attribute comes from his strength and the ability to shake off tacklers at the line of scrimmage.
After the Seahawks finished 25th in rushing yards last season, they knew they’d need help however they could get it. They bolstered what was one of the league’s worst offensive lines by adding former second-overall pick Luke Joeckel and a pass-blocking elite in Oday Aboushi. They gave their offense much-needed attention again during the 2017 NFL Draft by selecting offensive linemen Ethan Pocic from LSU and Justin Senior from Mississippi State, and a terrific wide receiver in Amara Darboh from Michigan.
All five additions could be potential starters at some point this season, and will help to elevate the Seahawks’ play on offense. Signing Eddie Lacy filled the need for a work horse that can get out of tough situations with his strength, essential while the new pieces work to fall into place.
In addition to a newly bolstered offensive line and a talented new receiver, the ever-present running threat of Russell Wilson will keep the eyes off of #27 – especially on read-option type plays that were never ran with Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay.
Should Lacy stay healthy this year, he could – no, he will – resurrect his career much like Marshawn Lynch revived his after landing in Seattle. Another 1,000-yard season and a return trip to the Pro Bowl should be in store for the running back.
Alabama fans are going to need to tune in on Sundays come fall, because Eddie Lacy is going to remind the world how good he is.
J.A. Weaver is a lead writer for TD Alabama Magazine and Bama Hoops Hype. You can contact him via phone at 205-612-5060, or on Twitter @JWeaver_TDALMag
