Will there be Beast Mode in Carolina?
Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch pulled out of last weekend's game against the Vikings at the last minute, notifying team trainers that his abdominal issue was still not 100 percent. Lynch spent more than a month rehabbing the injury in San Francisco, and had a full week of practice before last week's attempt to play.
On Thursday night, Lynch made it clear that wasn't happening again. In a text to ESPN personality Kenny Mayne, the running back simply said "I'm ready."
It's certainly a more expansive indication than Lynch provided anyone else at this time last week. Lynch backed off as the team was boarding a flight to Minnesota.
In his absence, the Seahawks gained 70 yards on 21 carries with Christine Michael as their primary back. Russell Wilson added another 21 yards on the ground and Fred Jackson carried the ball once for two yards. It was one of the most brutal games we've seen all season considering the weather and physicality between both lines. Lynch could have made a difference.
Now, they head out to face a team that has arguably the best defensive line in football and behind them, the best linebackers. Adding a top-tier power back shouldn't hurt so long as Lynch is actually healthy this time.
