Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
We all knew the Seattle Seahawks acquired a dynamic playmaker when they traded for Percy Harvin, but it seems his role could expand even more in 2013. The latest out of Seahawks’ camp is that Harvin could see significant time at running back this season. Obviously, the Minnesota Vikings utilized him in the running game, but he certainly wasn’t a big part of their ground game. Are more carries a good thing for Percy Harvin?
I really don’t think so. Minnesota used him pretty minimally in the running game last year, and there were still questions about him being overused. This guy does a little bit of everything, but it also takes a huge toll on his body. Harvin got banged up during several games in 2012, even to the point of having to come out for extended periods of time.
Seattle already has Marshawn Lynch and Robert Turbin, who combined for nearly 2,000 yards in 2012. If anything, they need to become more dynamic through the air. There’s a solid ground game in place, that Harvin can add to on occasion, but he’s really not needed in the backfield.
The Seahawks should save his energy for kick returns, and numerous receptions throughout every game. It’s great for a change of pace to run him on a reverse or to line him up in the backfield, but it shouldn’t be a focus. Running backs get a lot more contact than wide receivers, and Harvin doesn’t need anymore of that.
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