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Running back Marshawn Lynch looks to build on his first-season accomplishments with the Seattle Seahawks, including his first playoff appearance, and one of the more memorable runs in recent years.
Talking to reporters for the first time in Seahawks training camp Monday, the Cal product said he’s in great shape, and excited to play a full season in Seattle.
Last year, Lynch joined Seattle in early October after a trade from Buffalo, which affected his ability to bond with his teammates. But now he gets a full training camp to soak up Seattle coach Pete Carroll’s culture.
“That first meeting is where they lay down the foundation of what you’re going to be looking for, for the rest of the season,” Lynch said. “So coming in this year and actually being able to be part of that first meeting, where they did lay down the foundation, I got a better sense of where they’re coming from.”
Once again, Lynch will have to share time in the backfield, which could affect his shot to reach the 1,000-yard plateau for the third time in his five-year NFL career.
Justin Forsett and Leon Washington will also get carries, serving as quick, change-of-pace guys to the bruising running style of Lynch. Carroll said he wants to get Washington involved more, now that he’s two years removed from a broken leg he suffered in the 2009 season.
But Lynch said he’s not concerned about carries.
“To have those guys is a blessing because they put into perspective a lot of things that I would take for granted, as far as the little things,” Lynch said. “And I’m not just saying that because they’re little guys, but they actually pay attention to depth and lining up in the backfield, which can be critical on a play, where the aiming spot is on a certain run and when not to cut and when to cut.”
Lynch should also benefit from new offensive line coach Tom Cable’s version of the zone blocking scheme, along with a younger, bigger offensive line leading the way.
The Seahawks got a preview of what’s ahead by rushing for 133 yards against San Diego last week, although Lynch carried the ball only three times for 8 yards.
“They’re big,” Lynch said. “Going against our guys, you really can’t get the look that you’re going to see in a game so it’s something that I’m waiting to see how that all forms up and they gel together, but as of right now, I like what I see.”
Lynch said he still gets comments from people on his electrifying 67-yard run in the NFC wild card game against New Orleans, which sealed a 41-36 win.
“I’ve watched it several times,” he said. “People might email it to me. I might look over at somebody’s phone if somebody recognizes me, and they’re looking at it to make sure that’s really me. And so I’ve seen it quite a few times.”
OKUNG ON THE MEND
Four days after suffering a left ankle injury against San Diego, Russell Okung took limited repetitions with the rest of the offensive line during the team’s walk-through practice Monday morning.
The second-year left tackle worked through a handful of plays against air during the early portions of practice, including some light running back and forth to the huddle, before giving way to Tyler Polumbus for the team portion of practice.
Okung participating in practice is a good sign for Carroll, who hopes to have him back for the team’s regular-season opener Sept. 11 at San Francisco. But for now, Polumbus is slated to start the exhibition Saturday at CenturyLink Field against Minnesota.
EXTRA POINTS
Receivers Mike Williams (toe), Kris Durham (hamstring) and Doug Baldwin (knee) and defensive end Red Bryant (knee) participated during the early portions of practice. Tight end John Carlson (unspecified) did not practice for a second consecutive day. Also sitting out were cornerback Byron Maxwell (sprained toe), defensive linemen Jameson Konz and Pierre Allen and offensive lineman Caz Piurowski. … Defensive linemen Ryan Sims and Jay Alford returned to action after sitting out Sunday. … Cornerback Walter Thurmond (ankle) did not participate in the morning practice, but he went through some rehab work on the field after practice concluded. … Defensive back Roy Lewis (knee), receiver Deon Butler (leg), tight end Cameron Morrah (toe) and defensive lineman Colin Cole (ankle) remain on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. … The players will get today off, followed by practices on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons.
Eric D. Williams: 253-597-8547 eric.williams@ thenewstribune.com blog.thenewstribune.com/seahawks
SATURDAY
Exhibition: Minnesota at Seattle, 7 p.m., Ch. 5, 1240-AM, 710-AM
