The Eagle Has Crash Landed

Ok, so I'll admit that I'm not president of the Marshawn Lynch Fan Club. I've long thought that he was a mid-level running back and would remain so until he retired off to wherever it is that former mid-level running backs go. Therefore, imagine my surprise last night when old #24 ran for 148 yards, his fourth 100-plus-yard performance this season. He may have gotten off to a slow start, but Lynch is on pace to match his glory years -- 2007 and 2008 with the Buffalo Bills -- when he ran for over 1,000 yards a season.

Lynch isn't the only player who put up an impressive performance last night, in fact, the entire Seahawks team came up big in the 31-14 win over the Philadelphia Eagles. In addition to Lynch's yardage and two rushing touchdowns, Tavaris Jackson connected with Golden Tate for an 11-yard TD in the third quarter, and Steven Hauschka added four extra points and a field goal. Speaking of Jackson, it's hard to fault his 13/16, 190-yard performance, and he earned the highest quarterback ranking of his career. But, it wasn't just an offensive showcase. The defense got in on the action too, intercepting Eagles QB Vince Young four times, one of which linebacker David Hawthorne ran back for a crucial, game-winning, 77-yard touchdown late in the fourth quarter. Finally, on both sides of the ball, the Seahawks managed to drastically cut down on the stupid, costly penalties that have plagued them all season.

Last night's win puts the Seahawks at a 5-7, and with the St. Louis Rams next on the schedule, the team could be breathing down the neck of a .500 record before we know it. Don't worry, it's OK to be surprised. Just like their mid-level running back, the Seahawks are putting together a rather surprising season.