Which Beastmode Comes Out in 2017?
According to Michael Silver, the Oakland Raiders and veteran running back Marshawn Lynch have come to an agreement for Lynch to return to play in the 2017-18 NFL season. The running back is currently under contract with the Seattle Seahawks, so there are a few apparent obstacles to overcome before this deal can become official.
What will Seattle receive in return for Lynch’s services? I wouldn’t more than possibly a draft pick, or even a buyout of Lynch’s contract. With the 30-year old likely to return in silver and black, the bigger question on the table should be which version of Marshawn we will see this upcoming season.
Will we see the 2014 version of Beastmode? Back then, Lynch was 28-years old and remained within his prime, as he rushed for 1,306 yards, and a career-high 13 touchdowns. The Seahawks would then go on to defeat the Denver Broncos in the Super Bowl.
If not that stud, will we see the 2015 version of Lynch? The one who was limited to seven regular season games, and only managed to scrape 417 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns. After the 2015 season, Lynch retired, following a Super Bowl defeat to the New England Patriots.
Beastmode has become a household name within the NFL, even when he was representing the Buffalo Bills back in 2007. With a multitude of factors keeping the veteran off of the field, how effective can he be for the Raiders in 2017?
The only thing that held the Raiders back from a Super Bowl ring last season was the untimely injury to quarterback Derek Carr, as well as the lack of defensive support. The Raiders run game was no joke though, as Latavius Murray lead the franchise to the sixth-best ranked run game in terms of rushing yards per game last season (120.1).
No offense to Murray, but him and Lynch don’t even belong in the same sentence. Even with Lynch out of the league for a full season, I could see Lynch once again being a 1,000+ rusher for the seventh time in his NFL career.
In terms of playoff success, the media and the NFL fans need to pump the brakes on the Raiders for 2017. Sure, the offensive unit for the Raiders has the chance to be elite. The only barrier the franchise holds is whether the defense can hold its own against teams such as the Patriots, Steelers, Chiefs, etc.
To be the best, you need to beat the best. For the Raiders, the potential addition of Marshawn Lynch should be a step in the right direction.
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