The Seattle Seahawks' reunion with running back Marshawn Lynch is making its hype round across the media this week. The move comes after the Seahawks lost two running backs in Chris Carson and C.J. Prosise. The signing certainly makes sense, but the fact that it is Lynch, a fan-favorite among the 12s, makes the news all the more intriguing.
For the San Francisco 49ers, nothing has changed as far as game planning. Defensive coordinator Robert Saleh was asked after Thursday's practice if anything changes with the defense preparing to face Lynch, who has not played football since October 14, 2018. The assistant coach explained why it doesn't.
"For us, it doesn't (change how we prepare)," Saleh told reporters. "Carson's a big bruising back, very similar to how Marshawn is. So, the tackling plan, all that stuff, is still the same. He's a load to tackle. He's going to lower his pads, and you've got to have a specific way to tackle him."
Saleh went on to say that the talk surrounding Lynch's return is good for fans and the media, but he's just another player to prepare for who does a lot of similar things to the starting running back the Seahawks lost.
The hype is more for those outside the building.
"[Lynch is] no different than Carson and the way he runs the football," Saleh continued. "It's cool that they need the emotional boost, but we look at it the same."
Lynch is five years removed from his last season of 1,000-or-more yards rushing. In two seasons with the Oakland Raiders (2017-18), he rushed for 1,267 yards with 10 touchdowns while averaging 4.3 yards per carry.
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