3 Reasons Marshawn Lynch Trade Makes Seahawks NFC West Champs

The Seattle Seahawks have made a timely trade with the Buffalo Bills to finally give their team a running game.  The young ‘Hawks are rebuilding under first-year coach Pete Carroll and one of the key pieces missing is the lack of a dominant rusher.  That’s why they scored gold by trading with the Bills for running back Marshawn Lynch for a 4th round pick in 2011 and a conditional pick in 2012.

Adding a potent running back to the lackluster backfield of Seattle is a no-brainer but the timing is what stands out to me for Seattle to salvage their season.  Lynch, a former Pro-Bowler,  was drafted in the first round of the 2007 draft by the Bills and he has been the subject of trade rumors since the season began with teams like Philadelphia and Green Bay.

Here’s a look at 3 reasons why the trade is going to be great for the ‘Hawks and may help them win the NFC West title.

3.  It’s great for Seattle

Seattle is 25th in the NFL in rushing and they average 79.5 yards a game.  That is clearly not enough to get wins in the league these days and the team has lacked a running back since the days of Shaun Alexander.   More importantly, they only have 2 TDs rushing this season in 4 games and neither is by their 2 RB’s Justin Forsett or Julius Jones.  Both are by QB Matt Hasselbeck.

Jones, who has not been much of a threat since joining the team in 2008,  is expected to be released with the acquisition of Lynch.  The move should also open up Forestt to become a more potent threat on offense.  The Seahawks are young on offense but they have the potential to piece together a strong running and receiving game to grab some wins.

To say that the ‘Hawks need an immediate impact at the position is an understatement.  And it’s great timing as Week 5 brings the team a bye which gives them extra time to get their acts together.

2.  It’s great for Marshawn

Lynch has only played 4 years in the NFL but he started out strong with 2 1,000-yards seasons.   As Buffalo continues to spiral down to become the worst team in the NFL, Lynch’s career sinks along with them.  The Bills are already 0-4 and do not look to improve much during the season.  Lynch was one of three Bills sharing time, including rookie C.J. Spiller and Fred Jackson, and by casting Marshawn off for a handful of draft picks is a good pickup for the team.

Sorry Bills fans but anywhere that’s not Buffalo in the next few years is good for a player looking to make a big contract.  And the former Pro-Bowler Lynch has little reason to stay in Buffalo when his contract ends in 2 years.

Hopefully, the move to Seattle will light a fire under Lynch to get him back to his Pro Bowl status.  And for Lynch, it’s a chance to become the dominant RB in the division.  Only 2 NFC West running backs have had a 100-yard game this season,  Frank Gore (SF) and Tim Hightower (ARZ).  If Lynch and Seattle can get their running game going look for some big stats from Marshawn.

1. It makes Seattle the potential NFC West champion

OK, I know that says a lot but it’s not so much that the ‘Hawks are instantly Super Bowl contenders here but the NFC West is just a weak division.

San Francisco is sputtering with tons of internal drama and they are 0-4. The Arizona Cardinals are sinking fast after losing key players in the offseason including QB’s Kurt Warner and Matt Leinart.  Derek Anderson stepped in and is doing horrible.  In fact, he was benched last week for his horrible performance and the QB position in Phoenix is now wide open.

The Rams, however, are a rising team of sorts.  Rookie QB Sam Bradford has helped ignite the once desolate offense and the group is piecing together a decent season so far with their 2-2 record.  And that puts them in a 3-way tie for first place in the NFC West with Seattle and Arizona.  With the Rams being the real threat in the division Seattle needed to make a move.

Seattle is a young team but the Rams are younger.  For the ‘Hawks to separate themselves from the group they needed to make this trade for Lynch.  And if Lynch can pay off for them, unlike the Deion Branch trade in 2006, this team could go places.