National Football League

Seahawks fans should enjoy Marshawn while they can

Published Apr. 13, 2015 1:16 p.m. ET

foxsports

By Michael Lococo

Every year is a new year and every team is different than the last. Despite some personnel turnover, the Seahawks teams of 2013-2014 and 2014-2015 seemed quite similar. They both boasted stifling defenses that paved the way for their Super Bowl appearances and they got great and occasionally outstanding quarterback play from third round phenom Russell Wilson.

The other main element the two teams had in common was nigh-unstoppable running from Marshawn Lynch…

Despite a lackluster offensive line and a receiving corps that didn’t exactly light the world on fire either, Lynch took the ball game after game, play after play, and delivered. Since his acquisition from the Bills, Marshawn Lynch has been the engine behind the Seahawks offense. Even though opposing teams lined up expecting him to get the ball, he still ground out positive yards. However, after eight seasons, over 2,000 carries and countless hits, can the Seahawks expect another monster season from Lynch?

The nearly 29 year old running back is approaching the age when running backs start to lose a step. If that is the case then Seattle will have lost one of its major stars on offense. To be clear, you do not just replace a talent like Lynch. The Seahawks will be prepared for the worst if it does happen; they have already taken some precautions and there are more to come.

The first thing to note about Marshawn Lynch’s new contract is that it is basically a three year deal with a relatively cheap opt-out for the Seahawks in 2017. If Marshawn Lynch does begin to decline this season, the Seahawks will have 2016 to see if the regression is permanent. If so, the Seahawks can cut him in 2017 and the cap hit will only be $2.5 million. Given the continual expansion of the salary cap, that dead money hit isn’t too bad.

Another preparation the Seahawks have made for the regression of Lynch is the high profile acquisition of Jimmy Graham. The Graham trade was bold, aggressive, and risky. The fact that it was done should tell fans that the Seahawks are preparing to make Russell Wilson the true centerpiece of the office. Make no mistake, the time is coming when the focus of Seattle’s attack will be pass-first. This is not to dismiss the running game outright, but to use it to set up the pass. Seattle is preparing to become more of a passing team.

I also expect the draft to highlight Seattle’s preparation for life after Lynch and a truly dominant running game. The acquisition of a lineman with strong pass blocking skills is something to keep an eye out for. Another would be the drafting of more aerial weaponry for Wilson, wide receivers and maybe an additional tight end. These moves will make sure the offense is ready for Wilson to start throwing more often.

Lastly, Russell Wilson will, within the year, become the highest paid quarterback in the NFL. That kind of money isn’t spent lightly. The Seahawks have the belief that Wilson is the quarterback of this team for the next decade. They will pay him that way. You simply don’t pay a quarterback top QB money unless your plan is for him to be the centerpiece of the offense. The contract is coming and with it, a fundamental shift in the way the Seahawks offense attacks.

Marshawn Lynch’s time in Seattle is not over. He is still a talented and feared back and until the day Adrian Peterson is reinstated, Lynch remains the best back in the NFL. However, the end of the line is visible from where we stand today. Seahawks fans should enjoy Lynch’s remaining games and all the success he has brought Seattle. They should also be aware that the front office has a plan moving forward and the future of the Seattle offense is being ably addressed.

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