Initial expectations shouldn't be huge for Bills' Lynch

[Don't Panic]

http://www.realfootball365.com/nfl/articles/2007/05/bills-marshawnlynch-expectations250507.html

Lynch will be a ball-carrying weapon for Buffalo, and he'll also be looked to for his receiving and blocking skills. The 5-11, 215-pound Oakland native compares well to fellow RB Joseph Addai, who was an impact rookie last season for the Super Bowl champion Indianapolis Colts . Lynch and Addai are the same height, and the latter weighs just one fewer pound than the former. Two more things: Both have sub-4.5 speed in the 40-yard dash and are above-average blockers. Addai, the 30th overall pick in the 2006 draft, shared time in Indianapolis with six-year veteran Dominic Rhodes (now an Oakland Raider) for much of the season, but he was still a standout. On 226 carries Addai ran for 1,081 yards (a terrific 4.8 per rush) and added seven touchdowns. The ex-LSU star also pitched in as an aerial target for quarterback Peyton Manning, accruing 40 receptions for 325 yards and one more score, giving him a total of eight. Hardly gaudy numbers, but for a rookie who had touches taken away by an experienced runner in Rhodes, not bad either.
Although the Bills more than likely won't mirror last year's championship-winning Colts, saying both teams have similar young running backs is hardly a stretch. Can Lynch better Addai and make a run at Offensive Rookie of the Year honors? Absolutely. However, to expect it may be foolish. Thomas and Wright will garner their own touches, thus meaning fewer for Lynch.

Good point... I think he'll have a tough time managing Addai's numbers due to the fact that having Peyton Mannning as a QB made life a lot easier for Addai. Still, if our duo can even come close to the production that the Colts got out of Addai and Rhodes last year, we'll be in very good shape.

[YardRat]

Re: Initial expectations shouldn't be huge for Bills' Lynch

If he eclipses Thurman's rookie numbers, and A-Train, Wright, etc, can perform similar to Riddick, Harmon et al in TT's first season, I'll be very happy. I'd be surprised if he puts up ROY type stats, though.

[Pinkerton Security]

Re: Initial expectations shouldn't be huge for Bills' Lynch

I agree with the article, except for that thing about us not likely winning the Super Bowl!?!?! whats this guy smoking?!!?


lets go bills!

[TacklingDummy]

Re: Initial expectations shouldn't be huge for Bills' Lynch

1) Traded away McGahee
2) Drafted Lynch 12th overall
3) Lynch will be starter opening day
4) Lynch should have better numbers than Addai since he will be the starter opening day and not spliting as many carrriers as Addai did with Rhodes.
6) On paper Buffalo has a better o-line this year.

Yes, expectations should be huge.

[patmoran2006]

Re: Initial expectations shouldn't be huge for Bills' Lynch

I dont think Lynch will be starting opening day.. I think Thomas will.

I think Lynch will get some work and gradually increase his role until around mid-season'ish, when he'll be starting.

[justasportsfan]

Re: Initial expectations shouldn't be huge for Bills' Lynch

Na, despite being drafted in the later rds. I expect Wright not to easily give up the starting job without a fight.

[Devin]

Re: Initial expectations shouldn't be huge for Bills' Lynch

1) Traded away McGahee
2) Drafted Lynch 12th overall
3) Lynch will be starter opening day
4) Lynch should have better numbers than Addai since he will be the starter opeing day and not spliting as many carrriers as Addai did with Rhodes.
6) On paper Buffalo has a better o-line this year.

Yes, expectations should be huge.

You're damn right.

Lynch was the 12th overall pick, behind an improved line and on top of that is supposedly a great receiving threat.

He better be able to top Mr. 990. My expectations for lynch are huge.

[justasportsfan]

Re: Initial expectations shouldn't be huge for Bills' Lynch

If Wright does better at camp , would they start Lynch anyways based on where he was drafted?

I hope not. Let the best man win!

[Mr. Pink]

Re: Initial expectations shouldn't be huge for Bills' Lynch

If Wright does better in camps and is starting on opening day, it means the front office wasted a 1st round pick. Not too many teams are willing to admit that type of mistake, especially right away. I wouldn't expect Wright to start over Lynch no matter what occurs.

[patmoran2006]

Re: Initial expectations shouldn't be huge for Bills' Lynch

Wright will be the third stringer. Barring injury, I dont think you'll see much of him at all as a rookie.

On opening day, I expect A-Train to be the starter.

Lynch will get plenty of work and I'd expect him around mid-season to take over as the starter full-time.

[Devin]

Re: Initial expectations shouldn't be huge for Bills' Lynch

I fully expect Lynch will be carrying the load Day 1.

If he cant beat out friggin A-train for a starting job we drafted the wrong guy.

[patmoran2006]

Re: Initial expectations shouldn't be huge for Bills' Lynch

He's clearly better than A-Train, I just think Jauron will go with the veteran more early on, at least to start the game.

That's fine anyway. It's not like Lynch either runs for 1200 yards as a rookie or he's the wrong pick. He'll get plenty of time and will be starting before season's end; IMO

[Devin]

Re: Initial expectations shouldn't be huge for Bills' Lynch

Lynch is touted as an every down back, a 300+ carries guy. As well as a receiving threat. This "dynamic playmaker" had better rack up some serious stats.

Behind this line in front of him make no mistake, he absolutley better hang some serious yardage. If he cant put up 1K in yardage wtf did we upgrade?

I wasnt a huge fan of this pick so I am most certainly hoping Lynch will change my mind.

[JoeMama]

Re: Initial expectations shouldn't be huge for Bills' Lynch

I expect Marshawn Lynch to surpass Willis McGahee's numbers from last season.

I'm not concerned about it either. I think it's a given.

[raphael120]

Re: Initial expectations shouldn't be huge for Bills' Lynch

I think if Marshawn does better than Addai with an arguably inferior Oline than the Colts, then he damn well shuold get ROTY