With so many NFL teams taking the running back-by-committee approach, Seattle’s Marshawn Lynch may be one of the last dominant players at the once glorified position.
He has helped power the Seahawks’ read-option offense to the brink of back-to-back Super Bowl titles.
Lynch rushed for 1,306 yards and 13 touchdowns in the regular season. It was his fourth consecutive 1,000-yard rushing season and the sixth of his career. It also was his fourth consecutive season with 10 or more rushing touchdowns.
“He’s definitely a tenacious runner,” Seattle offensive tackle Russell Okung said. “When he has that ball in his hands, you don’t know what he’s going to do. He’s part of what makes us who we are.”
Lynch also is a threat as a receiver. He caught 37 passes for 367 yards and four touchdowns out of the backfield in the regular season.
“Whether he’s catching it, running it or even sometimes blocking, he’s very important to us,” Okung said.
While Lynch does not like discussing his play with the media, several of his coaches and teammates don’t mind.
“He’s going to be himself,” Seattle assistant head coach Tom Cable said. “He’s a guy that cares about everyone in that locker room. Anytime you hand it to him, he’s carrying them. He’s not carrying the football, he’s carrying his team. That’s who he is. That’s what he does.”
