INDIANAPOLIS – Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll was all smiles walking up to podium No.1 with so many questions surrounding his team.
A main topic of discussion was the offense and its uncertainty level at the running back position.
With tailbacks Chris Carson and Rashaad Penny going down early last season, Carroll turned to sixth round draft pick Travis Homer, and old friend, Marshawn Lynch.
When he returned to the Seahawks, it had an immediate impact, not just on the fans, but the coaching staff, including Carroll.
“Marshawn made an exception impression coming back, starting with me,” Carroll told Prime Time Sports Talk. “He worked really hard to get to the point where he had a chance to be available. How he held onto that thought that he could play that late in the season.
From when he first walked back into the facility to the end of the season, Carroll was impressed by the older running back’s conditioning and motivation.
“He reported in good shape, he performed well, scored four touchdowns in the last few games,” Carroll said. “Did a great job for us, just picking things up and showing what it takes to focus and be available and all that. ”
His attention to the younger players wowed the Super Bowl winning coach.
“He was gracious and great to all the young guys,” Carroll said. “It didn’t matter how old you were, he was good to everybody. I just thought he did an extraordinary job coming back.”
Lynch’s return put a temporary bandage over the bruised and battered running back corp. But will the man known as, ‘Beast Mode,’ return for one more go-around?
“We’ll see,” Carroll said. “You never know. I’m not gonna rush him back from the offseason. Was never one of his strengths.”
