Seahawks' Power Shift: Back to the Basics with Fullback-Centric Offense
Seattle Seahawks showcase modified attack unit during rookie training camp.
In a bid to revitalize their offending gameplan, the Seattle Seahawks took a crucial step during their 2025 rookie minicamp: a shift towards a smash-mouth, old-school running attack. The new strategy was vividly illustrated during an 11-on-11 session when fullback Robbie Ouzts paved the way for running back Damien Martinez to find daylight.
Appropriately labeling it "smash-mouth football," Martinez offered his initial take on the team's fresh offensive approach. Keep in mind, this was a non-contact drill, so the open field wasn't exactly a challenge. Nevertheless, the symbolism stood strong—a statement to the world that the Seahawks are ready to return to the glory days of power running under new offensive coordinator, Klint Kubiak.
Obstinate as ever, head coach Mike Macdonald reiterated the team's desire to be a dominant physical unit after bothering the NFL with Ryan Grubb's dismissal and the subsequent hiring of Kubiak. The latter is tasked with instilling an outside zone running scheme, yet hinted at the continued importance of the fullback in making it work.
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Indeed, the signing of Robbie Ouzts, formerly a tight end at Alabama, and the permanent designation as a fullback, demonstrated their commitment to implementing the fullback formation. Ouzts turned out to be the only player among the 257 drafted to be listed as a fullback. The Seahawks had previously operated without any fullbacks in the 2024 season. However, Brady Russell, a tight end the past couple of seasons, is now in the process of being moved to fullback, making them a duo ready to make their mark.
Seattle did experiment with using a fullback the previous year, with Russell playing 18 snaps in the backfield, according to Pro Football Focus. Nevertheless, the addition of Ouzts and Russell's conversion reveals the Seahawks' resolve in integrating the fullback into the offensive strategy, aiming to resurrect their anemic running game that ranked them 28th in rushing yards and 21st in third-down conversion percentage in 2024.
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Kubiak made his desires clear upon being hired, emphasizing the need for the Seahawks to run the ball effectively in order for his new scheme to thrive.
"I love playing with a fullback," Kubiak explained. "... We want to be a balanced team. I think balance is important, and sometimes you've got to drop back 50 times to win the game and sometimes you've got to run it 50 times. But when it all comes through, we want to be balanced, and we want to be able to win multiple ways."
The Seahawks join 17 other NFL teams in employing a fullback for the upcoming season, having been one of the seventeen without a fullback during the 2024 campaign. Patrick Ricard of the Baltimore Ravens served as a prime example of a studious fullback, receiving five Pro Bowl invitations during Macdonald's tenure as their defensive coordinator.
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Macdonald expressed his belief that a fullback can bring a certain level of versatility, dominance, and physicality to the offense by opening up two-back sets, breaking formation, and dictating defense terms.
"It allows you to get into two-back sets and break the formation, try to dictate some terms to the defense, regulate them certain ways," he elaborated. "Some of the schemes that you're able to do with two backs are definitely different than a one-back operation. It diversifies you."
Expectedly, executing the calling card of finding success in grinding out tough yards between the tackles won't be a walk in the park. The Seahawks will need to address line improvements to complement their fresh approach, most notably drafting left guard Grey Zabel with the 18th overall pick. With an emphasis on creating holes and providing a foundation for the fullback, the team's investment highlights the urgency to solidify their lineup up front.
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Now, Robbie Ouzts, neophyte fullback, must adapt quickly to the position, transitioning from a tight end role that requires substantial in-line blocking to focus on the finesse and agility required of a backfield blocker.
Ouzts appeared undaunted by the challenges ahead, expressing his eagerness to make the most of every opportunity and learn on the fly. With his win-now mentality in tow and his background in swimming and basketball, the stakes are set for him to sink or swim.
"Honestly, just not taking the moment for granted," Ouzts concluded. "It really didn't hit me when I got the phone call on draft day. Going out on that field yesterday, it finally sunk in. So, just taking it all in and just giving it everything I've got and, just trying to go 1-0 every rep."
- The Seattle Seahawks, seeking to revitalize their offense, are returning to power running under new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak and are focusing on a smash-mouth, old-school running attack.
- Appropriately labeling it "smash-mouth football," Damien Martinez, running back for the Seahawks, expressed his initial take on the team's fresh offensive approach.
- Despite being a non-contact drill, the symbolism of fullback Robbie Ouzts paving the way for Martinez stood strong, signifying the Seahawks' return to the glory days of power running.
- The Seahawks had previously operated without any fullbacks in the 2024 season, but have now signed Ouzts and are in the process of moving Brady Russell from tight end to fullback, making them a duo ready to make their mark.
- Kubiak emphasized the need for the Seahawks to run the ball effectively in order for his new scheme to thrive, stating that he loves playing with a fullback and wants to be a balanced team.
- With the acquisition of fullbacks Ouzts and Russell, the Seahawks join 17 other NFL teams in employing a fullback for the upcoming season, having been one of the seventeen without a fullback during the 2024 campaign.
