NFC West Notebook: Lynch reinvents Beast Mode, Thomas to start for Cardinals
Every Monday and Friday, theScore's NFL editors will bring you a roundup of everything you need to know from around the division with the NFC West Notebook.
Seattle Seahawks
Lynch puts Beast Mode on display. Marshawn Lynch ran for a 79-yard score against the Arizona Cardinals - the longest touchdown rush of his career. Lynch's play was eerily reminiscent of the Beast Quake run against the Saints in the 2010 playoffs.
Sherman rips Patrick Peterson in interview. Before the season, Patrick Peterson was considered to be Richard Sherman's main competition for All-Pro status at cornerback. He's struggled miserably this year, though, allowing eight touchdowns - a fact Sherman pointed out before Sunday's win.
Wilson-to-Willson connection strong. Russell Wilson found Luke Willson for two touchdowns and a career-high 136 yards receiving during Sunday's 35-6 win against the Cardinals. Willson's emergence in the passing game gives Seattle another weapon heading into the playoffs.
Arizona Cardinals
Stanton ruled out, Thomas to start. The Arizona Cardinals desperately need an answer at quarterback, but Drew Stanton will not be the solution. Stanton was ruled out of Week 17's game against the San Francisco 49ers by head coach Bruce Arians on Monday. Rookie Logan Thomas will start.
Rucker calls Lynch's antics childish. Defensive tackle Frostee Rucker was none too pleased with Marshawn Lynch, but it had nothing to do with his running ability. Rucker called Lynch's end zone dive "childish" after the running back appeared to pull on his groin while scoring on a 79-yard touchdown.
Cardinals plan to keep Fitzgerald. Larry Fitzgerald will have an extraordinary 23.6-million cap hit entering next season, but the Cardinals have no plans to release the eight-time Pro Bowler, according to general manager Steve Keim. Fitzgerald is the franchise leader in every major receiving category
San Francisco 49ers
Davis brings up Te'o's past. Manti Te'o's catfish scandal may have long escaped the public's attention, but 49ers offensive tackle Anthony Davis has a long memory. Davis chided Te'o on getting catfished, a comment the Chargers linebacker didn't appreciate.
Staley unappreciative of referees. Left tackle Joe Staley wasn't pleased about Sunday's 38-35 overtime loss to the San Diego Chargers. Staley ripped into the refereeing crew after losing a fumble in a scrum and then drawing a 15-yard penalty.
49ers will fire Harbaugh after season. The 49ers will reportedly fire head coach Jim Harbaugh two days after the season concludes, according to Jay Glazer of FOX Sports. Harbaugh has long been rumored to be leaving the 49ers after the season, with San Francisco missing the playoffs for the first time in four years.
St. Louis Rams
Goodell says Rams will stay in St. Louis. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell vetoed any relocation plans for the following season, meaning the Rams will stay in St. Louis. The team was rumored to be considered for a move to Los Angeles, and owner Stan Kroenke bought a plot of land in California.
Fisher disappointed in Giants after brawl. A full-scale brawl ensued during Sunday's game against the New York Giants after Giants receiver Odell Beckham Jr. took exception to a hit from Rams linebacker Alec Ogletree. Rams head coach Jeff Fisher was decidedly unimpressed.
Gaines suffers concussion vs. Giants. St. Louis Rams cornerback E.J. Gaines went down after a frightening collision with teammate T.J. McDonald. Gaines suffered a concussion and a lacerated lip, and the rookie will go through the league's concussion protocol.