Marshawn Lynch (24) breaks away from a tackle by the New Orleans Saints defenders to score a touchdown in the second half of an NFL NFC wild card playoff football game, Saturday, Jan. 8, 2011, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
SEATTLE (AP) — Marshawn Lynch refers to his running style as "beast mode."The slew of New Orleans defenders left in his wake understand why.
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Lynch had eight different Saints get a hand on him during a 67-yard run that sealed a 41-36 upset victory over New Orleans and a chance for a rematch with either the Chicago Bears or Atlanta Falcons next week.
"That was the most unbelievable, unrealistic play I've ever seen in the history of football," Seahawks linebacker Aaron Curry said. "It was just unreal. It seems just like a routine football play, then he takes it to another level."
Lynch was hit solidly by linebacker Scott Shanle at the line of scrimmage, but both Shanle and Will Smith slipped off him. Remi Ayodele and Darren Sharper were next, but slid off his backside. Jabari Greer bounced off his side before Lynch delivered a thunderous stiff arm to Tracy Porter, throwing him violently to the turf.
"It was 'beast mode' at its finest," receiver Mike Williams said.
Alex Brown and Roman Harper tried in desperation to get Lynch to the ground but instead could only watch in amazement as Lynch dived backward into the end zone.
"(The offensive line) did a great job of getting me to the secondary and I think instincts just took over from there," Lynch said. "I was pretty much just determined."
The touchdown gave Seattle a 41-30 lead with just over three minutes to play. With each broken tackle, Drew Brees and the Saints watched as their title defense came to a screeching halt. For Seattle, Lynch topped 100 yards, a first for a Seahawks running back this season, rushing for 133 yards and a touchdown reminiscent of Earl Campbell.
"At that point, we were within a score," Saints coach Sean Payton said. "And it took a lot of wind out of our sails and it was a great effort by him. Obviously there was some missed tackles — it was disappointing, and yet a real good run by him."
Marshawn Lynch with arguably the greatest run of all time. Seals the win for the Seahawks in the greatest upset in NFL playoff history. 41-36, Seahawks over the Saints on January 8, 2011.
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