Since the arrival of “Beast Mode” three years ago, the Seahawks went from a five-win club to one of the best in the NFL. Russell Wilson is getting his due credit for this (see Best Seahawk, readers’ pick), but overlooked is Marshawn Lynch’s huge role in helping the rookie quarterback come into his own by forcing defenses to guard against the run at all times. Since coming to Seattle, Lynch has run for more than 3,000 yards, scored 31 touchdowns, and broke nine tackles during one of the biggest plays in Seahawks history against New Orleans in 2011. He’s also eaten more than 25,000 skittles. Early last season, coach Pete Carroll was reticent to have Wilson throw too much, lest his rookie get banged up and lose confidence early in his pro career. So it was Lynch who took the shots; with Wilson now running on all cylinders and providing a serious pass threat, we can only imagine the nasty things Lynch will be able to do this year. The Beast will get his due.