A team’s RB3 role is far from the most important when it comes to roster construction. However, it is something that teams should pay attention to considering how injury-prone the running back position is, such that an RB3 at the beginning of the season may need to play the role of RB2 or even RB1 at some point.
When he was drafted in the seventh round, I believed that Kenny McIntosh could become an important piece of the Seattle Seahawks’ offense. His senior year was productive and his ability as a receiving back brought something new to the RB group. However, he only had offensive snaps in 2024 and the Seahawks drafted Damien Martinez, also in the seventh round, who has the potential to take over that role from McIntosh.
What did the former Georgia player do in 2024 to stay in the group?
Kenny McIntosh’s 2024 season
During the 2024 preseason, McIntosh saw George Holani stand out game after game. McIntosh also stood out, but clearly produced less than the former Boise State player. The difference in performance was so great that it was natural to think that if the team were to take three RBs, the one who would be cut would be McIntosh.
Contrary to this line of thinking, perhaps due to Holani’s history of injuries, the Seahawks cut the UDFA and kept McIntosh. However, in a year in which Ken Walker missed five games, McIntosh managed only 31 carries, 172 yards, 108 yards after contact, 10 forced missed tackles, and four runs for more than 10 yards.
The Seahawks ran in zone and McIntosh made the right read between the blocks with a good cut to the outside, forcing a missed tackle.
The Bears defense was poorly positioned with few defenders on the second level. McIntosh escapes the first level, even with Olu Oluwatimi losing the block. After that, he exploits the space and gets a 25-yard gain..
Even suffering contact at the line, he gets a good gain for the Seahawks. The best part of the play is the step he takes inside with the intention of manipulating defender No. 35 (Jake Hummel) and creating space for himself.
Good reading ability and quick reaction. Ryan Grubb calls a good play here with two RBs on the field with the threat of Zach Charbonnet running. McIntosh gets the ball, but he realizes that the gap that should be opened towards the right side of the attack does not appear. He makes the cutback and gets good yardage.
This formation with two RBs could appear with McIntosh appearing in different spots of the formation, just like he did on this play in Georgia.
I think he can finally be explored as a receiver on third downs.
Final Thoughts
McIntosh has just over 31 carries and less than 200 rushing yards. He h escaped the battle with George Holani last year, but Damien Martinez has much more potential to surpass McIntosh on the depth chart, leaving him the chance to stay at 53 only if the Seahawks return to carrying four RBs on the roster.
I think the team can return to this number of running backs since they intend to run the ball more. I also think Klint Kubiak could use his receiving skills better than the last few Seattle offensive coordinators.
