John Madden Says Marshawn Lynch Could Be 'Big Deal' for Raiders

Legendary Oakland Raiders head coach John Madden believes the team's addition of running back Marshawn Lynch will provide a major boost in short-yardage situations, an area where he described the execution around the NFL as "one of the worst things in pro football."

TMZ Sports passed along comments from Madden, who led the Raiders to the Super Bowl XI title in 1977 and went on to become one of the sport's best color commentators after coaching, about the difference Lynch can make.

"Teams can't get first downs by running and they get down on the goal line and they're down there on the 1-yard line throwing the ball! What's that about?" he said. "I think if Marshawn Lynch can take them out of that, if he can get first downs on third downs, and if he can get touchdowns on goal line, that'll be a great big deal for the Raiders."

It's unclear whether Madden meant to take a subtle shot at the Seattle Seahawks for their decision to throw near the goal line in Super Bowl XLIX with Lynch available. Of course, New England Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler intercepted the Russell Wilson pass to seal the Pats victory.

Lynch, an Oakland native, signed a two-year, $9 million contract with the Raiders after coming over in a trade with the Seahawks. He sat out the 2016 season as part of a short-lived retirement.

The 31-year-old workhorse rusher said earlier in the week his decision to make an NFL comeback came after it was announced the Raiders would be leaving for Las Vegas in the coming years, per Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.com.

"It's always been something, being from Oakland, you want to play at home or have the opportunity ... but knowing that they were leaving, a lot of the kids here probably won't have the opportunity to see most of their idols growing up, won't be in their hometown no more," Lynch said. "With me being from here, and continuing to be here, it gives them an opportunity, then, that they get to see somebody that actually did it, from where they're from, and for the team that they probably idolize."

Lynch is expected to step right into a marquee role for the Raiders, who are among the top contenders in the AFC heading into the 2017 season.

Madden is right, though. One of the veteran's most important tasks will be picking up those difficult yards on third down and near the end zone.