Seahawks overreactions: Jadarian Price proves Kenneth Walker won't be missed

The Seattle Seahawks proved they still have the defense to compete at a high level. But their running back room is still a work in progress . However, is it an overreaction to say Jadarian Price proved Kenneth Walker won't be missed at all?

That's quite a stretch because Walker won the Super Bowl MVP award before departing the Seahawks via free agency and joining the Chiefs. However, if nothing else, Price looked good in Wednesday night's NFL season-opening win over the Patriots, according to a post on X by Brian Baldinger.

"@Jadarian15 showed the skills that made him the 2nd RB drafted…Solid debut…Exciting days to come. #BaldysBreakdowns"

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Price carried 10 times for 52 yards. He also caught two passes for six more yards. Not a bad debut for the rookie.

Seahawks may have a keeper in RB Jadarian Price

He sure looked the part in Wednesday's game against the Patriots, according to sports.mynorthwest.com.

"I thought he ran the ball really well," Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald said. "There's a couple plays that I'm thinking where we can talk about, maybe improve a little bit situationally, but I thought he had a really good start, and I'm excited about him.

"He should be proud of himself going in there with no preseason reps and taking care of the football. And staying square and making decisive cuts. I thought that was really cool."

Price also got an endorsement from Seattle Sports' Brock Huard.

"He was powerful," Huard said. "He was full of power. You felt his horsepower. Those are his first to-the-ground tackle plays in the NFL. And how many times did he go backwards? Zero. It was zero. How many times did he have contact at zero or 1 yard, and carry it for 2 or 3 more yards? Multiple times.

"How many times did he get there and hit his landmark on outside zone on the first drive of the game? I'm like, man, that is awesome. He is decisive, and then he's a little patient. And then he's explosive and powerful."

It certainly helped his standing across the league. He's now tied with Jeremiah Love as a favorite for NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year by Kalshi, according to Sports Illustrated.

However, one thing that Price needs is a quick return from Sam Darnold . Defenses will load up the box against Drew Locke, making it tougher for Price to find running room.

But back to the point, Price won't really be able to shake the shadow of Walker in the regular season. At least not this early. Perhaps if he keeps rolling deep into the regular season, it will help. But until he shows postseason juice, Seahawks fans are going to remember what Walker did for them in the Super Bowl.

This isn't a one-week deal to unseat the memory of Walker. As of now, he's still missed. But also, when Zach Charbonnet returns, it could muddy the picture for Price. Opportunities won't be as readily available. Charbonnet will get his touches, too.

So there's plenty of work to be done. It's a long NFL season.