Oakland Raiders: Week 9 Notebook

Nov 2, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch (24) is pursued by Oakland Raiders linebacker Miles Burris (56) at CenturyLink Field. The Seahawks defeated the Raiders 30-24. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Beast Mode Brings Best for Oakland

Marshawn Lynch is all Oakland, from his tough attitude to his swagger off and on the field, the Bay Area native who reportedly may or may not be leaving Seattle this season had one of his best games of the season against the Raiders run defense in picking up 143 yards as well as two touchdowns in the win. With Russell Wilson having a difficult day in the passing game, the strong play of Lynch was a major factor in Seattle being able to preserve a win against the underdogs at home as it seemed whenever the ‘Hawks needed a play they could turn to Lynch for either a first down or a big gain into Raiders territory. Lynch’s highlight came early in the game when he carried about a handful of Raiders into the endzone as his feet kept churning despite the appearance of forward progress being stopped on a gang tackle, putting a mix of linebackers and defensive backs on his shoulders before plunging across the goal line for a 7-3 Seattle lead in what was one of the highlights of Week 9 across the league.

With the rumors persisting that Lynch may have to go elsewhere to get paid in free agency you have to wonder if the Seahawks would be making the right decision in moving on from one of the game’s most dynamic and powerful running backs. His mileage may be a concern, but on days when the Seahawks need to get the offense going there are few players on their roster more reliable than Lynch. Already walking away from Percy Harvin and Golden Tate following their Super Bowl win, letting Lynch go could seriously damage the core of an offense that won the championship just months ago. We will have to wait an see how the contract negotiations play out, but for now Beast Mode is once again letting his play on the field do the talking by showing just how important he is to the Seahawks winning ways.