NFL Trade Rumors: Marshawn Lynch and the Green Bay Packers' Ground Attack

Ever since starter Ryan Grant was injured in the Packers week 1 win over the Eagles, their running game has struggled immensely.

Never was this more obvious than in Green Bay's Monday night loss to Chicago in Week 3, when Aaron Rodgers was forced to throw the ball 45 times; 34 completions.

For the past three weeks Green Bay has looked to back-up Brandon Jackson and essentially a full back in John Kuhn. Jackson is without a doubt the more talented back, but Kuhn is averaging 4.7 yards a carry and brings a much more physical style to the Packer's running game.

Regardless, their combined two touchdowns on the ground through four weeks isn't enough to bring home a Super Bowl trophy.

The Packers will need more explosion in the backfield. The Packers need Marshawn Lynch.

The fourth-year back out of California would bring an element to the Green Bay running game which has been missing for quite some time. Explosion.

With Ryan Grant likely out for the season, Lynch would provide some much needed stability at the position as well as the ability to make guys miss and get to the next level of the defense.

Aaron Rodgers, who was a teammate of Lynch's at the University of California, has been campaigning for Lynch ever since Grant went down in Week 1 according to Chris Mortensen of ESPN.

Thus far, through four games, Lynch has rushed for 164 yards on 37 carries (4.4 avg). These numbers are somewhat skewed however since Lynch has been running behind a Bills offensive line that currently sports an 0-4 record (the only win-less team in the AFC).

Wondering how the Packers can acquire Marshawn Lynch? Let's take a look at their defense.

The Packers 3-4 defense has come a long way in one year, and numerous draft picks and free agents have made an impact already this season, like un-drafted rookie linebacker Frank Zombo.

This plethora of talent will allow the Packers to shop a number of desired players before the trade deadline. Linebacker AJ Hawk is one name that has been involved in such rumors.

Hawk's production has been less than stellar the past few seasons and with the emergence of Clay Matthews on the edge, the Packers likely won't mind parting with Hawk if it means acquiring a quality running back in Marshawn Lynch.

So we know who, we know why, we know how—it's just a matter of when for the Green Bay Packers.

Patrick Clarke is a student at Towson University and a writing intern for Bleacher Report.