Seattle Seahawks: Marshawn Lynch Will Test San Francisco 49ers Defensive Streak

Marshawn Lynch is a man on a roll right now for the Seattle Seahawks, and he is gaining momentum. The Seahawks host the San Francisco 49ers on Christmas Eve at Qwest Field.

Lynch will test the incredible streak of 33 straight (37 by then) games without allowing a 100-yard rusher by the 49ers defense.

This contest could be meaningless from a wins/losses standpoint. The 49ers will surely have had their division locked up for weeks. Depending on what the New Orleans Saints do from here on out, the 49ers might not need the win.

What I'm about to say here is one of the biggest cliches in all of mankind, but it is true nonetheless: There is pride on the line for these two divisional opponents.

You know that the 49ers hold this streak near and dear to their hearts. The streak is a sort of banner for the team. If Lynch somehow breaks the streak, it would be like in a battle in ancient times when the flag-bearer was slain. 

Once the flag goes down, so do the spirits of the warriors who battle.

Before watching Lynch make minced meat out of the Philadelphia Eagles, I hadn't considered Lynch to be much of a threat. But he and his offensive linemen are really tearing things up right now. 

The 49ers will have to travel up the left coast to play the Seahawks. On Christmas Eve. Did I mention that the fans are rabid up there?

I'm not just blowing hot air here. Take a look at the last five games for Lynch:

• Week 9 vs. Dallas Cowboys: 23 carries for 135 yards and one touchdown
• Week 10 vs. Baltimore Ravens: 32 carries for 109 yards and one touchdown
• Week 11 vs. St. Louis Rams: 27 carries for 88 yards and one touchdown
• Week 12 vs. Washington Redskins: 24 carries for 111 yards
• Week 13 vs. Philadelphia Eagles: 22 carries for 148 and two touchdowns

When you look at the numbers and realize he did it against arguably some of the top 10 defenses in the NFL, you have to consider that Lynch might do it against the mighty 49ers as well.

Road games aren't easy for any team, and the 49ers haven't always fared well up in Seattle. You know Pete Carroll will have his guys riled up to beat his long-time rival from their Pac-10 days in Stanford and USC.

"What's your deal?"

Another streak might be in play as well. The 49ers currently have gone 11 game in a row without allowing a single rushing touchdown. 

With Lynch's propensity to get into the endzone these days, that one could go down too. 

I'm looking forward to this Christmas matchup, and I can't wait to see what happens. I do know one thing: The 49ers defense will surely be tested.