Marshawn Lynch's first game with the Raiders in Oakland lived up to the hype
Oakland brought out the best in BeastMode.
Marshawn Lynch said at his opening press conference with the Raiders, “Just to play in Oakland, shit, it's like a dream come true or something like that.”
Sunday, he saw it through with his first game in his hometown. Lynch finished the game with 12 rushes for 45 yards and a touchdown.
But he also had all of the other Lynch moments that we’ve grown to love over the years — whether it was a mean run, or a celebration. These are the highlights from Lynch’s debut as a Raider in his hometown of Oakland.
Lynch was helpful when he didn’t have the ball.
Lynch wasn’t busting players early with the ball in his hand, but he was going to be effective anyway.
On a flea flicker early in the game, Lynch not only executed a perfect toss back to Derek Carr, but provided the block he needed in order to complete the play to Michael Crabtree.
The Jets’ defender wanted no part of BeastMode. You can’t really blame him, either.
He had his usual vicious runs on the ground.
There are not many players who can make runs that are 10 yards this impressive.
Lynch’s run here is similar to when somebody’s trying on a shirt that might be tight around the neck, but once you squeeze through, your head just pops out. That’s what he is on this run. He gets through the defensive line, and emerges quickly for five or six extra yards.
These are the types of runs that could lead you to believe he’s capabale of another BeastQuake type of run. Lynch is 31 years old now, which isn’t young for an NFL running back by any means.
But he’s shown that there’s not a whole lot of rust — if any — since coming out of retirement. We’re all fortunate for that.
He finally got that first touchdown in his hometown.
Playing in his hometown of Oakland was obviously a big grab in getting Lynch to come out of retirement.
“I mean, it's always been something, being from Oakland, you want to play at home,” he said at his first press conference with the team. “I had the opportunity. Maybe them staying probably wouldn't have been so big for me to want to come play.”
Sunday, he got that first score.
Lynch’s touchdown gave the Raiders a 21-10 lead, one that would only continue to grow as the game progressed.
After the game, he let his intentions with the football be known:
Raiders RB Marshawn Lynch holding his touchdown ball in locker room. Knows what he's going to do with it. "Give it to my mama."
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) September 17, 2017
He enjoyed the large lead the Raiders had by dancing his ass off
Once the Raiders extended their lead to 35-13 in the fourth quarter, it was clear the game was out of reach.
Then, CBS cameras caught Lynch on the sideline, celebrating like nobody was watching.
“Every home game that I get to come to this motherfucker, I'm probably going to be riding with this whole town,” Lynch said at his opening press conference.
Sunday, he rode with Oakland.

