Beast Mode Is BACK: Marshawn Lynch’s Role in the Divisional Round

ESPN’s Sheil Kapadia told Seahawk fans across the country that Marshawn Lynch is game ready once again. After last week’s high hopes and then last minute drop out, Lynch was giving Hawks fans a reason to worry. It’s no secret the Seattle offense struggled to do anything productive offensively with the ball in the wild card game against Minnesota racking up only 226 yards, down from their season average of 378. Many blamed the sub-zero temperatures for both teams gameplay as Minnesota failed to reach the end zone on a single drive. While this is likely a logical explanation to the offensive hiccups, I beg to differ.

I believe the return of a power run game will eliminate the bi-polar tendencies of the offense.

Marshawn Lynch is arguably the most dangerous running back in the league. He has earned that title thanks to his ground and pound run style, agile cutting ability, and of course the Beast Quake. Lynch brings a threat to Seattle’s running game that gives defenses a reason to be afraid. With a combination like Lynch and Wilson, it is almost impossible for the defense to predict Seattle’s next move (with the right play calling of course). Seattle is able to pound the ball into the heart of the defense and still move the ball successfully with Lynch as the carrier. Then once the defense decides to creep up and get the jump on Marshawn, Wilson drops back and throws a dime to Baldwin or takes it himself on a read option. After Lynch went down with a sports hernia in week 12, Thomas Rawls stepped in to fill his shoes with great skill and many beast-like qualities. His fame would be short lived as he was knocked out for the season with a fractured ankle. Since then, the Seattle run game has been nearly non existent. With backs such as Christine Michael, Bryce Brown and the ever-reliable Fred Jackson, the Hawks have been able to keep defenses honest with short rush attempts, leaving Wilson time to throw the long ball when needed.

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Now that Lynch has released a statement saying “I’m Ready,” it seems all of Seattle has let out an exhausted sigh. Wilson has been able to cover Lynch’s workload playing at MVP caliber for the past few weeks, but Seattle misses their Beast. As the anxiety for Sunday grows, so does the hunger for revenge. Carolina staged a late 4th quarter comeback against the Hawks in week 6 as yet another lead was blown by the Legion of Boom. History proves that Seattle doesn’t lose to teams twice in a row. That’s why with the long awaited return of Lynch, Seattle is more prepared for this game than ever. The shootout between the Panthers and Seahawks is always a game worthy of primetime and there is no doubt Carolina will be ready to put any doubters to rest with a convincing victory over the league’s hottest team.

The difference in this game will no doubt be the ability of Marshawn Lynch to make big time plays on the ground. Carolina has a seasoned defense with veteran linebackers such as Luke Kuechly who will shut down a one dimensional offense. Any Seattle fan knows that the offense has multiple personality disorder. One week it seems they are unable to move the chains and the next they roll over a team without getting sweat on their jerseys. I believe the return of a power run game will eliminate the bi-polar tendencies of the offense. Ultimately the game will rely on Lynch’s ability to bust big plays, Bevell’s play calling and Wilson’s uncanny scramble skills to extend plays and create open passes.

When it comes to the postseason, anything is possible. But when in doubt, trust in Beast Mode.