CHICAGO — Marshawn Lynch’s numbers were fairly pedestrian in Sunday’s win over Chicago, but that didn’t really tell the story of his Seahawks debut.
Lynch was held to 44 yards on 17 carries, but beyond those numbers, Lynch had a definite impact on the game. His mere presence created a threat that the Bears had to respect, making the play-action pass more effective and giving the Seahawks receivers more room to operate.
“Marshawn Lynch, you could feel him playing,” Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said. “His style is something we needed. He is physical, he’s tough, and he’ll fight you and battle you.”
Lynch may not have been spectacular, but he did make a difference, which is exactly why the Seahawks traded a pair of draft picks to Buffalo to acquire him two weeks ago.
Lynch not only made things easier on the passing game, his addition also put Justin Forsett back in the role of change-of-pace back. While Forsett certainly wants to be a starter, Sunday showed how effective he can be in a limited role as he rushed for 67 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries.
“He (Lynch) warmed them up and I was able to finish them off,” Forsett said.
And the fact that the two are close friends and former college teammates at California should keep either from getting upset at the number of carries given to the other.
“It feels great, because neither me or Justin is selfish when it comes to anything like that,” Lynch said. “So it’s just great when both of us can do it and be on the same page. It’s a wonderful feeling, man.”
Lynch scored a touchdown on a 1-yard run early in the fourth quarter to extend Seattle’s lead, and even if the numbers didn’t show it, both he and the team were thrilled with his debut.
“It’s been rough on me these past two years, but to come over here and in my first game out get a win, and get in the end zone, and get a great performance from those guys up front, that’s something I feel like I can build on,” Lynch said.
A close call
What looked like a comfortable win turned scary for the Seahawks late in the fourth quarter when Devin Hester returned a punt for an 89-yard touchdown. Not only did the TD make it a three-point game, but punter Jon Ryan suffered a rib injury after a brutal block that he never saw coming. Ryan stayed down for a while before gingerly walking off the field.
The touchdown was Hester’s 13th on punt and kick returns, matching the NFL record of Brian Mitchell, which of course begs the question why would the Seahawks be punting to him? Carroll said the plan was to kick away from him, but that Ryan, who had a great day up to that point, just kicked it in the wrong spot.
The good news for Seattle was that it withstood the return, and Ryan may have also avoided serious injury, saying after the game that he thought he was going to be OK. It still wasn’t the best day for Ryan, however.
“It sucks when you get one returned on you like that, especially if you don’t remember it,” he said.
Other injuries
Cornerback Kelly Jennings left the game in the first half with a hamstring injury and did not return to the game. Carroll called it a strain, and didn’t give a prognosis for his return. Linebacker/defensive end Dexter Davis also had to leave the game after aggravating a hamstring injury suffered two weeks ago in St. Louis.
Also, defensive tackle Brandon Mebane didn’t play this week because of a calf injury. Kentwan Balmer started in his place.
Milloy approaching milestone
With another sack, safety Lawyer Milloy will become the 11th player in NFL history with 20 sacks and 20 interceptions. It appeared that Milloy, who has 25 career interceptions, had his 20th sack Sunday, but what looked like his second sack was credited to Raheem Brock.
Milloy also made his 203rd start Sunday, the second most of any active player behind Brett Favre. He had been tied with Denver safety Brian Dawkins on that list, but Dawkins missed Sunday’s game with a knee injury.
Herald Writer John Boyle: jboyle@heraldnet.com. For more Seahawks coverage, check out the Seahawks blog at heraldnet.com/seahawksblog
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