Marshawn Lynch needs another big game against 49ers

Jan 11, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch (24) scores a touchdown in front of New Orleans Saints running back Khiry Robinson (29) during the second half of the 2013 NFC divisional playoff football game at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Maybe it’s not fair to ask for another big game from Marshawn Lynch.

After all, the running back rushed for a franchise playoff-record 140 yards on Saturday and scored two touchdowns. He rushed for 1,257 yards in the regular season and had 12 TDs, matching a career high.

And in two games against the San Francisco 49ers this year, Lynch rushed for 170 yards and three touchdowns to go with 37 receiving yards and another touchdown.

But as unfair as it may be, the Seahawks need to ask Marshawn Lynch for another Beast Mode performance.

Lynch has been one of the most consistent members of Seattle’s offense as of late and has certainly been one of the biggest reasons for the Seahawks reaching their third NFC Championship game in franchise history.

He has been there when Russell Wilson has not.

As good as Wilson has been this season, he only threw for 103 yards on Saturday and was not able to throw a touchdown pass. His nine completions were the fewest he had thrown this season since Week 2, when he completed only eight passes against…the 49ers.

Wilson has thrown for a touchdown and an interception in both games against San Francisco this season, but he had better statistics in the Week 14 matchup in San Francisco.

In that game, Wilson completed 15 of his 25 passes for 199 yards. He will need another performance like that on Sunday to help take some of the pressure off Lynch.

The 49ers have the fourth-best run defense in the league, allowing 95.9 yards per game.

But they have shown in this postseason that running the ball against their defense, while not easy, is not impossible. In their Wild Card game against the Green Bay Packers, they allowed 124 rushing yards and last weekend against the Carolina Panthers, they gave up 93 yards on the ground.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, the Seahawks average the fourth-most rushing yards per game. Led by Lynch, Seattle averages 136.8 yards per game on the ground.

On Saturday against the Saints, they ran the ball for 174 yards while only having 103 passing yards in the game.

A big game from Lynch might be the difference on Sunday.

If he can produce like he has all season, the Seahawks may be headed to MetLife Staudium for Super Bowl XLVIII.