Retired NFL running back Marshawn Lynch appeared on the Conan O’Brien show and had some interesting comments in response to O’Brien’s unretirement question. The one-time Super Bowl champion appears willing to make an NFL return for the right team, and the Buffalo Bills could be that perfect fit for Marshawn Lynch.
Former #Seahawks legend Marshawn @MoneyLynch tells Conan O'Brien that a couple of teams contacted him to return to the #NFL, asking him if he's ready to play.
Lynch says he's open to coming back but it would have to be a Super Bowl team.pic.twitter.com/T1Fm1RqaV4
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) December 10, 2020
Marshawn Lynch has proven to be one of the most dominant running backs there has been, even creating the infamous, “Beast Quake”, run where Lynch powered through numerous New Orleans Saints’ defenders and scored the game-winning touchdown. Lynch, originally drafted by the Bills in 2007, has not only won a Superbowl with the Seattle Seahawks but has shown a desire to win again.
The obvious fit for Lynch would be with Pittsburgh as the Steelers’ run game has been poor this season. The Steelers hold an 11-2 record and sit first in the AFC North before their Monday night matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals. However, the team that Lynch would put over the top would be the Buffalo Bills.
Buffalo Bills, Marshawn Lynch Should Reunite
2020-2021 Buffalo Bills
The Bills have seen a vast improvement in their offense with the maturing game of Josh Allen, and with the three-headed monster at wide receiver comprised of Cole Beasley, John Brown, and Stefon Diggs. Allen’s improvement at quarterback has been a godsend for Bills Mafia, as the 24-year-old quarterback has become more poised in the pocket, leading to better decision making. Diggs has provided leadership and a true number one option at wide receiver for Allen. Since coming to the bills, Diggs leads the league in receptions with 100 and is second to DK Metcalf in total receiving yards. Beasley broke the record for most touchdowns by a player 5’8 or shorter against the San Fransico 49ers as well as being a durable option, playing all 13 games this season. Brown, aka “Smoke” has been fast and reliable, being able to elude defenders or outspeed them easily.
The Bills defense, on the other hand, has regressed from their dominant 2019 form. This year the Bills the defense has dropped to 15th overall, with accumulating injuries and a poor run defense that only a few teams have been able to capitalize on. A healthy defense core will help solidify the pass defense, and more importantly, increase the run defense going forward into the playoffs.
Youth in the Backfield
However, when examining the Bills running back depth, a veteran presence would solidify the running game with experience to compliment the youth of Devin Singletary and Zack Moss. Moss has been a welcome surprise this year after being selected in the third round of the 2020 draft. In 10 games, Moss has rushed for 335 yards with 3 touchdowns, earning the trust of the team to make plays and be rewarded for them. Singletary has become a steady presence in the run game after the mentorship of Frank Gore. Singletary has rushed for 576 yards this season so far. With Moss and Singletary being in their early 20’s; however, there would be a benefit from that veteran to lead the run and bestow playoff experience.
How Marshawn Lynch Fits on the Buffalo Bills
Understandably, the Marshawn Lynch that would be signed would not be the Lynch of old. Lynch’s age and injury history is a concern, but the experience and ability to give the Bills another weapon for opponents to focus on would benefit greatly in a playoff push. In two years with the Oakland Raiders, Lynch rushed for 1,267 yards with 10 rushing touchdowns. Having that added firepower would cause opposing defenses to worry about a dual-threat, than a stronger focus on just Buffalo’s passing game. Lynch would also be able to mentor the younger running backs for the remainder of the season. Also, with Zack Moss and Devin Singletary both being 23, the playing time given to Lynch would not hurt them as they are in the beginning stages of their development.
The Buffalo Bills have a good chance to make a run in the playoffs and win their first Superbowl ever. Buffalo has their franchise quarterback and added the necessary pieces for him to thrive. There is a good balance of young and old on the Bills, with a young running group and a veteran receiving core. However, adding Marshawn Lynch would be adding that extra piece that would bring more leadership and stability to an already poised roster. Lynch showed in his time in Oakland that he still has the ability to rush the ball for respectable yardage and would be an asset to a championship contender.
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