Marshawn Lynch will play this weekend

It appears from multiple sources that Marshawn Lynch will play this weekend at home against the Carolina Panthers. Earlier today the Seahawks waived practice squad running back Rod Smith and wide out B.J. Daniels. These moves certainly hint at re-activating Lynch for the upcoming game.

Oct 11, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Thomas Rawls (34) carries the ball in the second half against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals won 27-24. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

The Seahawks are in a unique situation now. Let’s pause for a moment and believe that Lynch is back at 100% healthy.

Lynch is one of the best running backs in the league, therefore it would be sensible to play him, however in his absence Thomas Rawls has amassed 321 yards over three games, including last week’s amazing 169 yards on 23 carries for 7.35 yards per carry. So what will the Seahawks do?

Sep 3, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Thomas Rawls (34) rushes against the Oakland Raiders during the fourth quarter at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

As Pete Carroll said in a pre-season town hall meeting, originally reported by Comcast Sports Net Northwest, in 2014: “We want to run the football whenever we want to. We are an absolutely committed running football team.” This solution offers the Seahawks answers to two problems. First and foremost it should help to get the offense moving, secondly it will help Russell Wilson. Having two running backs to share the load will allow us to run the ball…. a lot. I am expecting over 35 runs between the two backs this weekend.

An increase in running the ball the Seahawks should be able to control the line of scrimmage against a good Panthers defense. Running the ball will also help us to control the clock and open up the play action, where Wilson can be very dangerous. With the focus shifting away from Wilson the defense will not be able to pin their ears back and be constantly searching for the Quarterback.

This solution also helps to combat one of our most glaring weaknesses, the pass blocking of the offensive line. As we have seen this line is terrible at pass blocking, however was able to open up some great holes for Rawls to get through last week.

Now we should keep in mind that we are facing what I believe to be a better defense in Carolina, especially if Kuechly is back this week as reported, than we saw against the Bengals. However if we are able to get Rawls and Lynch moving on the ground we could have a one-two punch that will be the envy of the entire NFL. Go Hawks!

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