MR. McGIBBLETS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
‘Without Lynch, Turbin could realize his fantasy football potential’ — Owner Matt Eisenberg
SHREWSBURY, Mass. — In light of the Seattle Seahawks announcing running back Marshawn Lynch will resign with the team for a two-year, $24 million contract extension through 2017, Mr. McGibblets GM Matt Eisenberg expressed his thoughts on his former player’s decision to continue his NFL playing career.
Lynch, 28, is a former member of the Mr. McGibblets franchise, serving as the team’s lead running back in 2013 alongside DeMarco Murray. McGibblets finished in fourth place overall in 2013, in part to second-guessing his lineup decisions throughout the week and in part to Lynch’s struggling come playoff time. He scored 253.30 fantasy points in 2013.
In the 2013 semifinals, Lynch rushed for just 47 yards on the ground and one touchdown, as McGibblets fell to eventual champion HOW BOUT DAT?! 149.91-82.80. In the third-place game, Lynch totaled 76 all-purpose yards and did not find the endzone in the Seahawks’ 17-10 loss to the Arizona Cardinals, as McGibblets lost to Second Floor Shits 119.39-99.16.
“We were hoping Lynch would go Beast Mode on his opponents in the 2013 B4E Playoffs, but unfortunately, that was not the case,” Eisenberg said. “Even a five-touchdown output still wouldn’t have put us in the finals, but two touchdowns would have significantly helped us in the third place game.”
Eisenberg picked Lynch with the second overall pick in the 2013 draft, but did not retain him in 2014. He opted to keep Murray, a third-round selection, for the 2014 season and risk losing Lynch to another team. In the 2014 draft, BAHGAWD selected Lynch with the third overall pick, leading the team that made no transactions throughout the season to the playoffs. With his first-round pick last year, McGibblets selected wide receiver Brandon Marshall, who led the team to a crucial Week 2 victory over eventual runner-up Fear Boners Pt. Deux.
“We wanted to complement Murray with a different running back for the 2014 season,” said Eisenberg, who drafted Zac Stacy in the second round but later signed Justin Forsett.
After struggling and trading away numerous assets, including Murray, Marshall and Larry Donnell, McGibblets looked to the future. Eisenberg read the reports of Lynch mulling retirement, and opted to sign his would-be heirs: Christine Michael and Robert Turbin.
“We saw potential in them, and Russell Wilson can’t do everything alone,” Eisenberg said. “We thought if Lynch would not return to the team, Turbin and Michael would either compete for the lead role or create a threatening tandem. We are disappointed others won’t get a shot to prove themselves. We do not regret giving them an opportunity for the future.”
Neither Michael nor Turbin scored a rushing touchdown during their limited playing time in 2014, but Turbin caught a pass for a touchdown in a Week 13 game vs. San Francisco, when he sat on the bench. They combined for 86.80 fantasy points in 2014. By contrast, Lynch recorded 283.80 fantasy points.
“Without Lynch,” Eisenberg said, “Turbin could realize his fantasy football potential week in and week out.”
Eisenberg did not allude to Pete Carroll’s coaching decisions at the end of Super Bowl XLIX, when he opted to throw the ball on second down at the 1-yard line instead of running the ball with Lynch. Wilson, who also threw four picks in the NFC Championship game, was intercepted, sealing the Patriots’ Super Bowl championship. Eisenberg said the McGibblets franchise remains confident in Wilson’s ability to lead a team both in the air and on the ground.
“The NFL Playoffs have little to do with fantasy football,” Eisenberg said.
Eisenberg noted it is extremely doubtful either of the two will be used as a sixth-round keeper selection for the 2015 season with Lynch’s return. Wilson and Forsett, a current free agent, remain options, but the McGibblets GM is adamant in saying nothing is set in stone, pointing out he will give everyone, including Dallas Cowboys running back Joseph Randle and Green Bay Packers wide receiver Davante Adams, a fair chance.
“We sincerely wish Lynch, Turbin and Michael the best of luck in the future,” Eisenberg said. “We hope Turbin and Michael will see further playing time in the future. If they ever become fantasy football stars, they will know the team that first gave them an opportunity to shine.”
After an abysmal season, McGibblets will have five of the first 26 picks in the 2015 draft.