Eagles vs. Seahawks: Eagles Will Be Tested Against Marshawn Lynch's Beast Mode

For much of the season, the book on the Philadelphia Eagles has been that they just can't stop the run. In fact, it has become something of a running gag.

Um, pardon the pun.

But hey, you have to give the Eagles some credit. After being way too inviting to opposing running backs in the early weeks of the season, they've really clamped down in recent weeks. Philly hasn't allowed a 100-yard rusher since Week 9, and it has generally done a better job of limiting running backs to small chunks of yardage at a time.

We're going to find out whether or not this newfound success against the run is for real on Thursday night. The Eagles have themselves a tilt in the great Northwest against the Seattle Seahawks, and that means they have to take on Marshawn Lynch and his famed "Beast Mode."

He's managed to fly under the radar somewhat this season, but Lynch has been a rock for the Seahawks. Lynch is on pace to notch his first 1,000-yard season since 2008, and he's scored touchdowns in seven straight weeks. Beast Mode indeed.

For the Eagles, containing Lynch is going to be an issue. They have plenty of speed on defense, but Lynch is a tough, physical runner, the likes of which have given the Eagles fits this season. You can think back to what Michael Turner and Frank Gore were able to do against the Eagles for examples.

If the Eagles want to win this game, they'd better hope they can contain Lynch. He's pretty much the only threat the Seahawks have on offense, and they've been going to him a lot in recent weeks. If the Eagles can't contain him, they're going to be in for a long night.

On the contrary, the Eagles will pretty much be home free if they find a way to limit Lynch's impact. The Seahawks don't exactly excel moving the football through the air, so it will be a win for the Eagles if they can force the Seahawks into putting the game into the not-so-capable hands of Tarvaris Jackson. It doesn't help that the Seahawks have lost Sidney Rice for the season.

To be sure, there are no sure things when it comes to the Eagles these days. But things will be a little more sure for them if they don't let Lynch beat them.

We'll see what they can do. Game time is a little more than 24 hours away.