Seahawks hold Kenneth Walker to 36 yards in 20-3 win over Chiefs
Safety Nick Emmanwori said criticism over Seattle letting Walker leave in free agency helped motivate the defense against its former teammate.
Seattle beat Kansas City 20-3 after limiting former Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker to 36 rushing yards from 14 carries. Safety Nick Emmanwori said the defense had extra motivation to contain Walker when the teams met in Seattle.
Walker, the reigning Super Bowl MVP, joined the Chiefs in free agency after helping Seattle win the championship eight months earlier. He entered the matchup averaging 133 rushing yards per game, but finished with his lowest output of the season.
Emmanwori said criticism of Seattle's decision to let Walker depart had motivated him and other defenders. Their target was to keep their former teammate below 100 yards. He also said players were disappointed to concede any points, having aimed for a shutout.
Seattle's own running attack produced 153 yards, with Emanuel Wilson contributing 100 yards and a touchdown. The Seahawks' rushing total exceeded three times Kansas City's output, giving Seattle the stronger ground game against the player who had helped deliver its Super Bowl victory.
