Marshawn Lynch is now an Oakland Raider, giving fans of the silver and black something to cheer about before the team ultimately leaves for Las Vegas. The former Seattle Seahawk will be leaned upon to strengthen the team’s running game in an already devastating passing offense.
Although Lynch’s signing makes sense on paper, there are still questions regarding just how productive the 31-year-old can be. He is two seasons removed from his last game and could struggle to try and find his rhythm on the field. However, according to Ron Clements of Sporting News, general manager Reggie McKenzie believes Lynch can still be a force running the ball:
“We think he has more than enough left to be a highly productive running back in this league — even back to his latter couple years when he was playing,” McKenzie told Sporting News NFL writer Alex Marvez and NFL.com analyst Gil Brandt during a Wednesday interview on SiriusXM NFL Radio. “So we think he’s going to be highly productive and we’re excited to have him and he is extremely excited to be here, playing for the Oakland Raiders.”
Clements also notes that head coach Jack Del Rio has seen “authentic passion” from Lynch, a good sign that the running back is ready to get back into game shape and remind the NFL how he earned the nickname ‘Beast Mode.’ Playing for his hometown team should also motivate Lynch and his first home game should be an electrifying experience.
Lynch managed over 1,200 rushing yards four years in a row in Seattle, ultimately helping them win Super Bowl XLVIII.
