Marshawn Lynch looks in-shape and rejuvenated

I know, it’s just the preseason. But in the Raiders first exhibition against the Lions, Lynch played one series, and quite frankly, looked incredible. The powerful back showed his wheels when he broke off a 60-yard touchdown, out-running linebackers and defensive backs en-route to the end zone. The play was called back due to a questionable holding call, but there is no denying that Lynch looked the part of a rejuvenated running back, ready for whatever 2018 holds.

Last season, Lynch dramatically improved as the season wore on. In the first half, the team seemingly held Lynch back, perhaps saving him for a playoff run. When that reality slipped out of their grasp, the team went to Lynch more, and his productivity consequently improved. In fact, the first half of the season paled in comparison to the second half.

From Week 9 on, Lynch was on fire. In the final eight games (Week 10 was the team’s bye) Lynch rushed for 625 of his 891 yards. That is 70 percent of his season total in only eight games. That pace, 625 yards in eight games, leads to a 16-game total of 1,250 yards. That mark would have been good enough for fourth overall league-wide last season, only behind Kareem Hunt, Todd Gurley, and Le’Veon Bell.

Lynch showed he still had it in him last season. Coming out of retirement, Lynch showed he needed some time to adjust. But once that happened, he looked more and more like his old self. With last season behind him and another offseason under his belt, Lynch looks rejuvenated and ready to go in 2018.

Next: No. 2