The Seattle Seahawks begin their title defense on Thursday as they face off against the Green Bay Packers in the first game of the season. The team looked dominant in the preseason as their defense appeared to not miss a beat since the Super Bowl. However, some have questions regarding the offense and the ability to have the same amount of success twice. The biggest question mark is running back Marshawn Lynch who started his year with a delayed holdout and then had a total of three carries in the preseason. One person not worried, Pete Carroll.
The Seahawks coach understands the questions surrounding Lynch as he held out looking for a new contract. However, with the first game of the season just hours away, Carroll is confident that Lynch is fit to play and will not hold back against the Packers defense.
"He's ready to go," Carroll said, via USA Today Sports. "We're really excited about cutting him loose. The shot we gave him in game three (of the preseason Aug. 22 against Chicago), he looked exactly on point. He hasn't missed a snap or practice, hasn't missed anything. He looks the fittest he's been since we've been around him. This is the best we've seen him at this time of year. So, hopefully, that's a great indication that he's ready to go. Age has nothing to do with that."
Lynch will need to "let it rip" as his backup, Christine Michael, will be out due to a hamstring injury. Third-string back Robert Turbin will rotate in with Lynch, but any fantasy owners can expect the veteran to in the mix for the entire game. Lynch is looking for a big year. The running back has no guaranteed money left in his contract, the reason for his holdout, and many believe his time in Seattle could be coming to an end as a result. However, if Lynch once again has a big season, the Seahawks will have a hard time making a case to let him go.
Lynch is not the only big fantasy name on the field Thursday night. Percy Harvin will be the No. 1 wide receiver entering the night. However, fans should look towards rookie Kevin Norwood and Jermaine Kearse to be sleeper picks on the field as both were heavily hyped coming out of the preseason.
Seattle looks poised to make another big run this season behind Russell Wilson. Carroll is not concerned about a lack of motivation, noting the team continues to play with a chip on their shoulders.