In an interview with the San Diego Union-Tribune, Chargers Head Coach Norv Turner said that he believes Ryan Mathews could lead the league in rushing. Normally everything coaches say should be taken with a grain of salt, especially something from a coach as publicly criticized as Turner, as coaches often overestimate their own talent. However, this was a belief I had before Turner said anything so this just solidifies it.
Mathews is a former 12th overall pick (201) and the Chargers really don’t have much in the way of backup options behind him. Gone is touchdown vulture Mike Tolbert (21 touchdowns in the last 2 seasons) and right now all the Chargers have is Curtis Brinkley and his 32 career carries, 7th round pick Edwin Baker, and fullback Le’Ron McClain. Turner has always preferred one workhorse back over multiple specialized backs and it appears he’s finally comfortable with Mathews in that role.
On an offense as explosive as the Chargers, with as much talent as he has, if Mathews gets 300 carries, he could easily lead the league in rushing. Injuries might be the only thing that will stop him from those 300 carries. Last year, Mathews and Tolbert combined for 1581 rushing yards on 343 carries, 16 total touchdowns, and 104 receptions. And that was a down year for San Diego’s offense. There’s a reason why Mathews is my #3 fantasy back.
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