The Seattle Seahawks are stronger for one of their biggest legends, Marshawn Lynch. But only that, they brought back Robert Turbin, another fella who wore the Seahawks’ uniform and was a backup to Lynch. And after a row of news which frustrated and disappointed their fans, one positive finally emerged.
Real Impact or Just a Morale Boost?
Many are debating does this move of the Seahawks’ management has some real value or not. This weekend, the team lost its both running backs, Chris Carson and CJ Prosise, due to injuries that terminated their respective seasons. After staying without Josh Gordon and Al Woods, who both got suspensions, and previously Duane Brown, some are saying that this is merely a cover-up for all the problems. A way of camouflaging the awful situation, in order to keep the morale high.
Lynch is the undisputed legend in Seattle, a guy who carried the Seahawks during their title quest and who bleed for this franchise. His comeback was felt like an earthquake all over the league.
But the question stands, is he good enough now, with 33-years of age, a year of retirement and only 6 games during this season?
Lynch’s stats were average in Oakland. Although, we need to say that he had Josh Jacobs, who is a generational talent. In 6 matches, Beast Mode had 90 carries for 376 yards and three touchdowns. That wasn’t bad, but also not too much above the average. But then again, Jon Gruden decided to use young Jacobs a lot.
On the other side, he knows Pete Carroll knows the system and has a massive motive to come back and help the team. Sometimes, strong will can compensate for lack of certain qualities. Though, don’t get us wrong, we aren’t saying that Lynch doesn’t have the needed stuff to play, it is just that we didn’t see him in these circumstances recently.
49ers – A Perfect Test
There aren’t too many options for the Seahawks in the upcoming game. Only a victory suits them, and anything but that will leave them at No.5 in the NFC standings.
If Seattle wins, the 49ers and they are going to have the same record, 12-4, but the Seahawks have a better head-to-head record, which will allow them to clinch the NFC West division. But that is not all, as it brings up a possibility for taking one of the top 2 seeds in the NFC.
In order to see this, both Green Bay and New Orleans need to lose their respective events. If Packers lose, and Saints win, Pete Carroll’s boys will be second in the conference. And if both rivals win, the Seahawks are third.
So, the stakes are high in this regular-season finale. And that is the perfect moment to see whether is Lynch ready for some serious playoff battle. If he delivers a good performance against Kyle Shanahan’s crew, that is a good sign. If not, then it is probably all on Russell Wilson to provide success in the playoffs.
