Wide Receiver Percy Harvin the Not-So-Secret Weapon for the Seattle Seahawks Running Game?

The San Diego Chargers surprised football fans around the world Sunday when the managed to beat the defending world champions in rather convincing fashion, 30-21. When a team manages to play keep away as well as the Chargers did it's kind of hard to score (San Diego held the ball for more than 42 minutes).

That was not the only surprise though. As it turns out the leading rusher for the Seahawks was not good ole Beast Mode, but wide receiver Percy Harvin.

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The reason is twofold: (1) Marshawn Lynch's back and (2) Harvin is fast as hell and as elusive as they come.

His speed is on display just about every time he gets his hands on the ball. Harvin is one of those guys that if given a little space he can really make something happen like he did in the GIF above (with a little help from the ref who missed him stepping out of bounds).

The Seahaks like to let Harvin run the ball on plays like this a couple times a game. When he does he gains a few yards because they manage to contain him or he breaks it big like he did against the Chargers.

Why does that mean he is going to lead the team in rushing again? Well--it's because of Marshawn Lynch's back. He was limited to just six carries on 36 yards in part because the team rarely had the ball and his back was giving him trouble.

When asked about it later Pete Carroll referred to it as an ongoing issue that they have always had to monitor.

Players can work through a lot of injuries, but the back is one youj don't mess with. When it happens to creep back up on him the team is going to need a spark. They will need something to keep defenses from getting too aggrssive against the pass or the run. They are going to need something to keep defenses honest.

They are going to need Harvin to make a few runs like he did against the Chargers (but without stepping out of bounds of course).

So it's a good thing he is up to the task!

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