Seahawks vs Vikings: It's Adrian Peterson versus Marshawn Lynch in smashmouth football

Who would have thought that Adrian Peterson would have the kind of season that he's had so far this year considering the knee injury he suffered late last season? There are tons of fantasy footballers that are so happy they were able to pick up the Vikings running back in the later rounds of their draft. Peterson leads the league in rushing with 775 rushing yards so far in 2012, averaging 5.1 yards per carry with four touchdowns.

Next on the list of NFL leading rushers in 2012 is Marshawn Lynch, who has 757 total rushing yards, averaging 4.8 yards per carry and has three touchdowns. Lynch, famous for his skittles and for going "beast mode" has revitalized his career since moving to Seattle from Buffalo and has been labeled a top back in the league ever since.

Week 9 in the NFL will bring these two backs head-to-head in Seattle to face off as both the Vikings and the Seahawks are in position to make a run at the playoffs.

The run first and pass later style of play is going extinct in the NFL as it is definitely a passing league. However, when a back as talented as Peterson or Lynch is in the backfield, teams tend to lean on them and that's exactly what the Seahawks and Vikings do as each running back is on pace to carry the ball over 300 times this season.

Seahawks coach Pete Carrol is excited to see these two backs in action on Sunday, according to The Seattle Times' Danny O'Neil.

"These are two great players in our league," Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said, "and it'll be fun to watch them."

Peterson and Lynch were the first two running backs taken in the 2007 NFL Draft; Peterson was taken at No. 7 by the Vikings and Lynch by the Bills at No. 12. Both have made an impression with their current teammates and coaches, who are also looking forward to the matchup.

"I think of both of those guys as angry runners who are really determined to get extra yards," said Darrell Bevell, Seattle's offensive coordinator.

Inches can make the difference between a win and a loss in the NFL and in this game, it's safe to say that those inches will be fought for on the ground more often than through the air. Each teams' defensive front seven will have their hands full with a talented running back.

For those of you who are in to old-fashioned, smash-mouth football, buckle up, it's going to be a fun game.