Darrell Bevell Responds to Marshawn Lynch's Mom Delisa's Criticism

Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell downplayed comments by Marshawn Lynch's mother, Delisa Lynch, earlier in the week, saying criticism "comes with the territory." She had said Bevell should be fired for being the "worst play-caller ever."  

Sheil Kapadia of ESPN.com passed along the response from the longtime coach, who took over his current role with the Seahawks in 2011. He remains assured in the offense's approach and understands why certain people are targeted when things go wrong:

"

I'm glad we have passionate fans. It comes with the territory. I played quarterback, and that guy's going to get more credit than he deserves, and people are going to be on him when you don't win. So same with what I'm doing. I'm totally confident in what I'm doing. I'm totally confident that I'm trying to get our team in the best position to win. And I'm glad that she's passionate about it.

"

The firestorm started the St. Louis Rams stopped Lynch on fourth down with one yard to gain in overtime. The defensive stop secured the victory for the Rams, who had kicked a field goal on their first possession of the extra period.

Of course, with the Seahawks losing last season's Super Bowl after deciding to throw the ball near the goal line rather than hand it to the powerful running back, it was quite the coincidental end to Week 1 of the new season.

His mom didn't find it amusing, though. The Seattle Times highlighted her Facebook post on the subject, which said the "Seahawks staff loves that play-caller more than a win." She also argued better offensive line play is the reason giving the ball to her son in the Super Bowl would have worked.

The ESPN.com report noted that head coach Pete Carroll also tried to defuse the situation, saying: "I haven't seen the actual comments, but mom looking after her kid. There ain't nothing wrong with that."

The more important concern for Seattle is its defense. The typically dominant unit gave up 34 points in the season-opening loss. The task doesn't get any easier as the Seahawks travel to face the high-powered Green Bay Packers in Week 2.

They will need a strong game from Lynch on the ground to control the clock and keep the ball out of quarterback Aaron Rodgers' hands as much as possible.