Among other things, the Oakland Raiders acquired Marshawn Lynch to set the tone offensively.
The bruising running back is without question one of the most violent runners the NFL has seen in recent years, and even over a decade after he made his NFL debut, Lynch is still capable of rattling off impressive, physical runs, just ask the New York Giants.
On just the Raiders third offensive play of the afternoon, facing a 3rd and 1, Derek Carr lined up under center, handed the ball off to Lynch, and with the assistance of some huge blocks from the Raiders offensive line, watched No. 24 scamper 51 yards to the end zone.
The first quarter score was Lynch's second running touchdown in as many weeks, and according to Head Coach Jack Del Rio, the veteran running back has been running hard as of late.
"When he [Lynch] came back from the suspension, I've seen a little more pep in the step," said Del Rio. "A little more…I can't speak for him, I just know what I see. It's been good. I welcome it, and we're taking full advantage of it."
By game's end, Lynch had carried the ball 17 times, totaling 101 yards, as well as the aforementioned touchdown.
While Sunday's performance was the first time Lynch eclipsed the 100-yard mark as a Raider, that first quarter touchdown in particular set the tone for what the Silver and Black wanted to accomplish against the Giants, so it is this week's Elite Performance Moment of the Week, presented by Bridgestone.
