An increased load for Beast Mode
After reporting late to training camp and then getting less than a dozen touches in practice last week, the Seahawks’ four-time leading rusher didn’t make the trip to Denver for Thursday night’s preseason opener against the Broncos.
But following an off day on Friday and a review walkthrough on Saturday, the players were back on the practice field Sunday – when Lynch saw his most action of camp and, not surprisingly, left a favorable impression.
“Marshawn had a very good practice today. I really like the way he got after it,” coach Pete Carroll said after yet another spirited practice on yet another gorgeous day along the shores of Lake Washington.
Lynch took part in every phase of practice after being limited last week. His presence-feeling participation started with a carry on the first play of the first full-team drill. But it was during the final phase – a red-zone drill – that Lynch really got it going.
He displayed a nice burst up the gut in running for 4 yards on first down and then spun from a defender after being hit in the backfield for a 1-yard gain on second down. The final three plays were all Lynch, as he ran for 9 and 2 yards before scoring on a 4-yard run.
“Marshawn caught some balls well, blocked well, ran the ball really nice,” Carroll said. “It was a really good first day, and this really is the first week he has a chance to really compete and he brought a great attitude today.”
And that’s a good thing after the Seahawks rushed for 94 yards against the Broncos, with QB Terrelle Pryor the leading rusher with 28 yards.
“Marshawn looks great. He’s in great shape,” Carroll said. “He looks just as fit as he ever has. His weight is way down. He’s really worked hard to get here. Even through a trying time (his no-show for the first week of camp), he really kept his focus and did a nice job in getting ready.
“It showed today. You could tell.”.....
Sunday in Hawkville: An increased load for Beast Mode