Mathews On Short Leash (1 Viewer)

[Nucker101]

Chargers coach Norv Turner insists Ryan Mathews' limited Week 4 role was not about sending a message, but because Jackie Battle gave the team its "best chance to win."This statement says it all. Turner's not playing FF he is winning games. Battle is not going away, he get his touches, and end up with more TD's then Mathews, it be like the Bears, Forte gets the salad, but Bush gets the BEEF

What gave SD the best chance to win that game was 5 KC turnovers in the first half, Winning that game had nothing to do with who the RB was.

Exactly. There's no way that you can justify giving Battle more carries than Matthews, he should be playing a GL/short yardage role at best and not much more.

 

[Gr00vus]

Chargers coach Norv Turner insists Ryan Mathews' limited Week 4 role was not about sending a message, but because Jackie Battle gave the team its "best chance to win."This statement says it all. Turner's not playing FF he is winning games. Battle is not going away, he get his touches, and end up with more TD's then Mathews, it be like the Bears, Forte gets the salad, but Bush gets the BEEF

What gave SD the best chance to win that game was 5 KC turnovers in the first half, Winning that game had nothing to do with who the RB was.

Exactly. There's no way that you can justify giving Battle more carries than Matthews, he should be playing a GL/short yardage role at best and not much more.

Playing devil's advocate here: Since the Chiefs were in full on #### up mode, the only thing the Chargers really needed to do was not #### up worse. Battle takes care of the ball better than Matthews, and in that scenario that skill is more useful than Matthews's big play ability.

 

[Mile High]

Chargers coach Norv Turner insists Ryan Mathews' limited Week 4 role was not about sending a message, but because Jackie Battle gave the team its "best chance to win."This statement says it all. Turner's not playing FF he is winning games. Battle is not going away, he get his touches, and end up with more TD's then Mathews, it be like the Bears, Forte gets the salad, but Bush gets the BEEF

What gave SD the best chance to win that game was 5 KC turnovers in the first half, Winning that game had nothing to do with who the RB was.

Exactly. There's no way that you can justify giving Battle more carries than Matthews, he should be playing a GL/short yardage role at best and not much more.

Playing devil's advocate here: Since the Chiefs were in full on #### up mode, the only thing the Chargers really needed to do was not #### up worse. Battle takes care of the ball better than Matthews, and in that scenario that skill is more useful than Matthews's big play ability.

You're right to a point. Other then when SD was protecting the lead in the 4th, Matthews has getting most the carries

 

[flapgreen]

Chargers coach Norv Turner insists Ryan Mathews' limited Week 4 role was not about sending a message, but because Jackie Battle gave the team its "best chance to win."

Fool should've been fired years ago anyway. Completely amazing guys like that can keep a job.

 

[Nucker101]

Chargers coach Norv Turner insists Ryan Mathews' limited Week 4 role was not about sending a message, but because Jackie Battle gave the team its "best chance to win."This statement says it all. Turner's not playing FF he is winning games. Battle is not going away, he get his touches, and end up with more TD's then Mathews, it be like the Bears, Forte gets the salad, but Bush gets the BEEF

What gave SD the best chance to win that game was 5 KC turnovers in the first half, Winning that game had nothing to do with who the RB was.

Exactly. There's no way that you can justify giving Battle more carries than Matthews, he should be playing a GL/short yardage role at best and not much more.

Playing devil's advocate here: Since the Chiefs were in full on #### up mode, the only thing the Chargers really needed to do was not #### up worse. Battle takes care of the ball better than Matthews, and in that scenario that skill is more useful than Matthews's big play ability.

Fair enough, I would be fine with that usage of Battle. If the Chargers are defending a lead in the 4th quarter it probably means Mathews already had a decent game since the passing game isn't nearly as explosive as it once was. As most Mathews owners, I was probably over panicking yesterday, but I'm still fine with him as my RB1. He's obviously realized that he needs to take care of the ball to stay on the field and I think he'll do a good job of it and become the workhorse back we all thought he would be. The Saints are a great opponent to turn things around and have a breakout game against.

 

[Raider Nation]

Jackie Battle admits he was shocked to receive the bulk of the Chargers' running back load in Week 4 against the Chiefs.In other words, the Chargers didn't use Battle as the first-team back in practice to prepare him for the role. There's no depth-chart switch. They were sending Ryan Mathews a message. "I had no idea I was going to get that much work," Battle said. "They kept sending me back out and calling my number, so I figured I was doing something right." Since Mathews handled 16 touches without fumbling, look for him to handle the majority of work in Week 5 against New Orleans.

Even JACKIE BATTLE knows JACKIE BATTLE sucks.

 

[moderated]

If norv really thinks Battle gives them a better chance to win the chargers should just cut Mathews. They can find a bunch of battle type rbs for dirt cheap.

Norv has been one of the worst coaches in the NFL the past few years. He's had solid teams with a great qb and they underperform every year.

 

[Banger]

It was Tolbert last year and now battle has filled his shoes. Not sure what Matthews deficiencies are as I never watched him that close but clearly Norv doesn't want to lean on him as an every down workhorse.

I was thinking of making an offer for him but i don't think i want the headache.

 

[phommk]

Turner Reveals Plan for Mathews, Battle

Simply put, Turner likes the combination of the two running backs. He feels their styles complement each other, giving the Chargers their best chance to win. It’s a plan he intends to use in the coming weeks, mixing and matching the duo depending on who they are playing.

“I think they had 30 carries between them,” said Turner. “I liked the mixture we had. Ryan came in on the screen and got a big play early. I think every week we’re going to look at what gives us the best chance to win. We’ll put a game plan together and try to implement it. Both guys obviously were effective in their own way.”

http://www.chargers.com/news/article-1/Turner-Reveals-Plan-for-Mathews-Battle/5b9bfa39-98c6-43dd-9de3-03949e8a726e

 

[Raider Nation]

Turner Reveals Plan for Mathews, Battle

Simply put, Turner likes the combination of the two running backs. He feels their styles complement each other, giving the Chargers their best chance to win. It’s a plan he intends to use in the coming weeks, mixing and matching the duo depending on who they are playing.

“I think they had 30 carries between them,” said Turner. “I liked the mixture we had. Ryan came in on the screen and got a big play early. I think every week we’re going to look at what gives us the best chance to win. We’ll put a game plan together and try to implement it. Both guys obviously were effective in their own way.”

http://www.chargers.com/news/article-1/Turner-Reveals-Plan-for-Mathews-Battle/5b9bfa39-98c6-43dd-9de3-03949e8a726e

That's a pretty good plan. It will last roughly until they play a team not named Kansas City, and Battle leads them to a 14-0 first quarter deficit.

 

[shadyridr]

Turner Reveals Plan for Mathews, Battle

Simply put, Turner likes the combination of the two running backs. He feels their styles complement each other, giving the Chargers their best chance to win. It’s a plan he intends to use in the coming weeks, mixing and matching the duo depending on who they are playing.

“I think they had 30 carries between them,” said Turner. “I liked the mixture we had. Ryan came in on the screen and got a big play early. I think every week we’re going to look at what gives us the best chance to win. We’ll put a game plan together and try to implement it. Both guys obviously were effective in their own way.”

http://www.chargers.com/news/article-1/Turner-Reveals-Plan-for-Mathews-Battle/5b9bfa39-98c6-43dd-9de3-03949e8a726e

is this real life.i just decided im going down with the ship. im not gonna stress out about this situation anymore

 

[Nucker101]

Turner Reveals Plan for Mathews, Battle

Simply put, Turner likes the combination of the two running backs. He feels their styles complement each other, giving the Chargers their best chance to win. It’s a plan he intends to use in the coming weeks, mixing and matching the duo depending on who they are playing.

“I think they had 30 carries between them,” said Turner. “I liked the mixture we had. Ryan came in on the screen and got a big play early. I think every week we’re going to look at what gives us the best chance to win. We’ll put a game plan together and try to implement it. Both guys obviously were effective in their own way.”

http://www.chargers.com/news/article-1/Turner-Reveals-Plan-for-Mathews-Battle/5b9bfa39-98c6-43dd-9de3-03949e8a726e

Ugh.

 

[JHuber77]

Matthews please ask for a trade! There's still time!

 

[Raider Nation]

Matthews please ask for a trade! There's still time!

He doesn't care enough to ask for a trade. The checks are clearing -- that's all that matters.

For Mathews, the reduced usage didn't come as a shock. “I kind of expected it from last week,” Mathews said. “But you can't (dwell on) that. You've just got to keep playing and cheering on your teammates when you're not in and go 100 miles per hour when you are.”

Awwww, shucks. What can you do. I expected to get benched. It's all good!Think Ray Rice would react that way if he got benched? Or MJD? Or McCoy?Mathews is probably surfing right now.

 

[valhallan]

AJ Smith is in charge, he has failed to produce a winner, and he just let another star leave for free. He's on the hotseat and knew he could deflect the scrutiny to a guy like Mathews when a pushover opponent came to town. A snake at its finest.

 

[LBH]

I don't see Jackie Battle lasting long on the field if Mathews stays healthy

 

[damageinc]

I have Mathews and this news is not good for fantasy purposes. Pretty positive that Mathews will outplay Battle on most days but it will still eat into his carries and take any GL touchdowns from him. I would have no issue from a "Real" football perspective if Battle was any good . I see why Chicago uses M Bush wth Forte since Bush can get more then a yard at a time but again , just using your eyes. Battle is not much of a RB. Dude runs a yard and falls for another. Hes a very good Goal Line back but thats it . Again why SD and Norv Turner are do so bad. Bad judgment like this.

 

[Tau837]

Not sure what Matthews deficiencies are as I never watched him that close but clearly Norv doesn't want to lean on him as an every down workhorse.

I really don't get it. He's been good in all situations:- Overall 4.6 ypc, 8.3 ypr- Strong short yardage performance (better success rate than Tolbert in each sample):-- 14 first downs (including 2 TDs) in 18 carries with 1 yard to go-- 23 first downs (including 4 TDs) in 30 carries with 1-2 yards to go-- 30 first downs (including 5 TDs) in 43 carries with 1-3 yards to go- Solid goal line performance, albeit on a small sample size: 4 TDs in 10 carries from the 5 yard line or closer (similar to Tolbert's ratio of 16 TDs in 37 such carries)Looking for some objective comparison metrics, Mathews had a stronger DVOA and better success rate than Tolbert last year. He had a higher PFF rating than Tolbert last year.Even with his limited workload so far in 2012, PFF currently has Mathews rated as the #12 RB (among 51 qualifiers).Mathews clearly passes the eye test.Norv's insistence on platooning him can only have to do with his workload concerns due to his tendency to get hurt and/or with his fumbling issues. I suppose theoretically last year it may have had to do with wanting to have a role for Tolbert, since he was good enough to make a strong contribution, but that seems like a stretch, since Mathews was clearly better than Tolbert. And I'm having a harder time buying that argument with Battle. It's all the more peculiar given Norv's past history of not platooning highly talented RBs.I can only assume talent will win out in the long run and Mathews will get the lion's share of the workload.

 

[two_dollars]

Not sure what Matthews deficiencies are as I never watched him that close but clearly Norv doesn't want to lean on him as an every down workhorse.

I really don't get it. He's been good in all situations:- Overall 4.6 ypc, 8.3 ypr- Strong short yardage performance (better success rate than Tolbert in each sample):-- 14 first downs (including 2 TDs) in 18 carries with 1 yard to go-- 23 first downs (including 4 TDs) in 30 carries with 1-2 yards to go-- 30 first downs (including 5 TDs) in 43 carries with 1-3 yards to go- Solid goal line performance, albeit on a small sample size: 4 TDs in 10 carries from the 5 yard line or closer (similar to Tolbert's ratio of 16 TDs in 37 such carries)Looking for some objective comparison metrics, Mathews had a stronger DVOA and better success rate than Tolbert last year. He had a higher PFF rating than Tolbert last year.Even with his limited workload so far in 2012, PFF currently has Mathews rated as the #12 RB (among 51 qualifiers).Mathews clearly passes the eye test.Norv's insistence on platooning him can only have to do with his workload concerns due to his tendency to get hurt and/or with his fumbling issues. I suppose theoretically last year it may have had to do with wanting to have a role for Tolbert, since he was good enough to make a strong contribution, but that seems like a stretch, since Mathews was clearly better than Tolbert. And I'm having a harder time buying that argument with Battle. It's all the more peculiar given Norv's past history of not platooning highly talented RBs.I can only assume talent will win out in the long run and Mathews will get the lion's share of the workload.

They want to win games. Ask yourself, who gives them that chance? They may want to goof around for another couple weeks, but the cream rises.. Mathews is pretty special.

 

[Raider Nation]

So bottom line this for me: who wears the pants in the organization? Did Smith TELL Norv to do this?

 

[RBM]

I don't see Jackie Battle lasting long on the field if Mathews stays healthy

I'm not going to worry.

 

[valhallan]

So bottom line this for me: who wears the pants in the organization? Did Smith TELL Norv to do this?

Uh huh. There's a reason a stud like Marty gets fired after 14-2 and a pushover like Norv is the long-term, bulletproof caretaker.

 

[Tau837]

So bottom line this for me: who wears the pants in the organization? Did Smith TELL Norv to do this?

That seems likely since Battle indicated that he was surprised by it and didn't get any first team reps in practice, which is something Norv definitely controls.

 

[flapgreen]

Jackie Battle admits he was shocked to receive the bulk of the Chargers' running back load in Week 4 against the Chiefs.In other words, the Chargers didn't use Battle as the first-team back in practice to prepare him for the role. There's no depth-chart switch. They were sending Ryan Mathews a message. "I had no idea I was going to get that much work," Battle said. "They kept sending me back out and calling my number, so I figured I was doing something right." Since Mathews handled 16 touches without fumbling, look for him to handle the majority of work in Week 5 against New Orleans.

Even JACKIE BATTLE knows JACKIE BATTLE sucks.

That's pretty bad.

 

[Ghost Rider]

Second, why do you keep differentiating between fumbles and fumbles lost? A fumble is a fumble. Whether or not a team recovers it is more luck than anything. Mathews fumbling is a problem, plain and simple, and it's obvious that the team thinks so.

If Mathews' fumble in week 3 was recovered by him or a teammate or went out of bounds, meaning the Chargers retained possession, do you think the team would have viewed the event the same way? Do you think A.J. would have felt compelled to send him a message about it through the media? Do you think he would have been benched to open the game yesterday?Serious questions.I think it is fairly obvious that the situation would have been handled differently. Which shows that there is a difference between fumbles and fumbles lost.

You can assume all you want, but none of us know the answers to those questions. And given that you yourself do not like the way they have handled Mathews, assuming all would have been well had SD not lost that fumble seems mysterious. All of a sudden, they are gonna do what you consider the right thing, even though they have been apparently unable to do that yet, according to you? Okay.

 

[flapgreen]

Turner Reveals Plan for Mathews, Battle

Simply put, Turner likes the combination of the two running backs. He feels their styles complement each other, giving the Chargers their best chance to win. It’s a plan he intends to use in the coming weeks, mixing and matching the duo depending on who they are playing.

“I think they had 30 carries between them,” said Turner. “I liked the mixture we had. Ryan came in on the screen and got a big play early. I think every week we’re going to look at what gives us the best chance to win. We’ll put a game plan together and try to implement it. Both guys obviously were effective in their own way.”

http://www.chargers.com/news/article-1/Turner-Reveals-Plan-for-Mathews-Battle/5b9bfa39-98c6-43dd-9de3-03949e8a726e

In what world does playing Jackie Freaking Battle over Ryan Mathews seem like a good idea??? This doesn't even seem real.

 

[Tau837]

Second, why do you keep differentiating between fumbles and fumbles lost? A fumble is a fumble. Whether or not a team recovers it is more luck than anything. Mathews fumbling is a problem, plain and simple, and it's obvious that the team thinks so.

If Mathews' fumble in week 3 was recovered by him or a teammate or went out of bounds, meaning the Chargers retained possession, do you think the team would have viewed the event the same way? Do you think A.J. would have felt compelled to send him a message about it through the media? Do you think he would have been benched to open the game yesterday?Serious questions.I think it is fairly obvious that the situation would have been handled differently. Which shows that there is a difference between fumbles and fumbles lost.

You can assume all you want, but none of us know the answers to those questions. And given that you yourself do not like the way they have handled Mathews, assuming all would have been well had SD not lost that fumble seems mysterious. All of a sudden, they are gonna do what you consider the right thing, even though they have been apparently unable to do that yet, according to you? Okay.

I think A.J. Smith directed what happened with Mathews in this game. Had the game been closer, it might have only been for the first series, hard to say. But I don't think it was Norv's choice. I think Norv would have used him in the exact way he said he would use him all offseason - as a workhorse back - had he not been directed to bench him by A.J.Further, I think had Mathews not lost that fumble, A.J. doesn't give his media rant and doesn't direct that he be benched. It's all speculation, but that's what I believe.And that is a microcosm of what is wrong with the Chargers and has been for a while now.

 

[Donsmith753]

Don't even care.

 

[Bayhawks]

Turner Reveals Plan for Mathews, Battle

Simply put, Turner likes the combination of the two running backs. He feels their styles complement each other, giving the Chargers their best chance to win. It’s a plan he intends to use in the coming weeks, mixing and matching the duo depending on who they are playing.

“I think they had 30 carries between them,” said Turner. “I liked the mixture we had. Ryan came in on the screen and got a big play early. I think every week we’re going to look at what gives us the best chance to win. We’ll put a game plan together and try to implement it. Both guys obviously were effective in their own way.”

http://www.chargers.com/news/article-1/Turner-Reveals-Plan-for-Mathews-Battle/5b9bfa39-98c6-43dd-9de3-03949e8a726e

In what world does playing Jackie Freaking Battle over Ryan Mathews seem like a good idea??? This doesn't even seem real.

I don't know about playing Battle OVER Mathews, but Norv has utilized multiple backs the last few years. Battles seems to offer similar attributes to what Tolbert provided the last few years, so I don't think this is too much of a change for the way SD has operated recently. It's only a change when compared to what FF owners expected.

 

[donkshow]

20 touches, 150 total yards and 1 TD next week.

 

[RUSF18]

Is this an appropriate thread to ask if anyone is trying to buy Mathews based on this news?

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

So bottom line this for me: who wears the pants in the organization? Did Smith TELL Norv to do this?

dude AJ has been strong arming Norv since he got there. Its what AJ wanted. I think with the way the team has been playing, and the weakness of the division, if SD makes the playoffs both Norv n AJ will be back next year. Although I expect them to give the saints their first win this week

 

[Skeetcher]

Is this an appropriate thread to ask if anyone is trying to buy Mathews based on this news?

I personally would want no part of Matthews unless the price is REALLY low.I would however put a WW claim in for Battle if he is available.

 

[Wadsworth]

So bottom line this for me: who wears the pants in the organization? Did Smith TELL Norv to do this?

dude AJ has been strong arming Norv since he got there. Its what AJ wanted. I think with the way the team has been playing, and the weakness of the division, if SD makes the playoffs both Norv n AJ will be back next year.

Although I expect them to give the saints their first win this week

Unless they really pony up and go 14-2. Then Norv will be fired.

 

[Bayhawks]

Is this an appropriate thread to ask if anyone is trying to buy Mathews based on this news?

I personally would want no part of Matthews unless the price is REALLY low.I would however put a WW claim in for Battle if he is available.

I don't think the Mathews price is that low, yet. I picked up Battle last week, and emailed the Mathews ownwer about a trade; he had zero interest. Interestingly, he wasn't interested in acquiring Battle, either. That being said, I would definitely get Battle. I doubt he gets many more starts (barring injury), but I could see him holding onto a lot of the short yardage/goal-line work. Tolbert got double-digit TDs each of the last 2 years in that role, Battle might be able to do close to that.

 

[Jetdoc]

I picked up Battle last week, and emailed the Mathews ownwer about a trade; he had zero interest. Interestingly, he wasn't interested in acquiring Battle, either.

I'm a Mathews owner and also have zero interest in Battle...he's not worth owning while Mathews is healthy, and even if Mathews gets hurt I am not excited about Battle's prospects.That being said, most Mathews owners probably already have better options on their team (i.e. since they would've drafted decent RBs in the mid-rounds to cover for Mathews early season absence).

 

[donkshow]

I picked up Battle last week, and emailed the Mathews ownwer about a trade; he had zero interest. Interestingly, he wasn't interested in acquiring Battle, either.

I'm a Mathews owner and also have zero interest in Battle...he's not worth owning while Mathews is healthy, and even if Mathews gets hurt I am not excited about Battle's prospects.That being said, most Mathews owners probably already have better options on their team (i.e. since they would've drafted decent RBs in the mid-rounds to cover for Mathews early season absence).

Exactly. I've got Mathews, have no interest in Battle, and am fine at RB if Mathews does get hurt/limited time.

 

[leave a whisper]

Ryan Mathews - RB - Chargers

The Union-Tribune confirms that Ryan Mathews would have started in Week 4 if he hadn't fumbled against the Falcons in Week 3.

The Chargers' long-term faith in Mathews has not waned, but they wanted to use him in "lower-leverage" situations last week. "He understands the importance of taking care of the ball," coach Norv Turner said. "He's not negligent. I don't think there's anyone that works any harder. He had a bad play in the Atlanta game, and I do believe that we're going to get past that." Mathews' role will grow extremely rapidly provided he takes care of the football. He's on the right track after getting 16 touches and not fumbling against the Chiefs last week.

Source: Union-Tribune San Diego Oct 2 - 10:04 AM

 

[JHuber77]

Ryan Mathews - RB - Chargers The Union-Tribune confirms that Ryan Mathews would have started in Week 4 if he hadn't fumbled against the Falcons in Week 3.The Chargers' long-term faith in Mathews has not waned, but they wanted to use him in "lower-leverage" situations last week. "He understands the importance of taking care of the ball," coach Norv Turner said. "He's not negligent. I don't think there's anyone that works any harder. He had a bad play in the Atlanta game, and I do believe that we're going to get past that." Mathews' role will grow extremely rapidly provided he takes care of the football. He's on the right track after getting 16 touches and not fumbling against the Chiefs last week. Source: Union-Tribune San Diego Oct 2 - 10:04 AM

Bull####

 

[boonesfarm4me]

This BS going on in San Diego is costing me FF games now. That is all.

This

 

[Bayhawks]

Ryan Mathews - RB - Chargers The Union-Tribune confirms that Ryan Mathews would have started in Week 4 if he hadn't fumbled against the Falcons in Week 3.The Chargers' long-term faith in Mathews has not waned, but they wanted to use him in "lower-leverage" situations last week. "He understands the importance of taking care of the ball," coach Norv Turner said. "He's not negligent. I don't think there's anyone that works any harder. He had a bad play in the Atlanta game, and I do believe that we're going to get past that." Mathews' role will grow extremely rapidly provided he takes care of the football. He's on the right track after getting 16 touches and not fumbling against the Chiefs last week. Source: Union-Tribune San Diego Oct 2 - 10:04 AM

Bull####

What, exactly is Bull####?I personally have a hard time buying this report. When the HC comes out and says (on Monday) that Mathews not starting had nothing to do with his fumble, then a report comes out on Tuesday saying it is "confirmed" that the non-start WAS a result of the fumble, I would expect to see some sort of source identified. If that didn't happen, then how exactly, did the Union-Tribune make this confirmation? Who confirmed it? ETA-I think we all agree that Norv is lying his ### off, but the point remains that he decided to not start Mathews (probably with some "help" from AJ), so if he claims it wasn't because of the fumble, how can the U-T confirm that it was?

 

[Gopher State]

20 touches, 150 total yards and 1 TD next week.

Wow, thats predicting big numbers for Battle

 

[Wadsworth]

I own Mathews in one league but would gladly trade him tanking this season if it gets AJ Smith fired. That guys has an off the charts tool factor and amazing arrogance for someone who has made a list of bad player personal decisions. His golden boy Robert Meachem might also have a fumbling problem, it is hard to tell since he only has 6 catches for 92 on the season. $14m guaranteed, nice move superstar GM.

 

[Tau837]

Is this an appropriate thread to ask if anyone is trying to buy Mathews based on this news?

I am. Sent offers in multiple leagues.

 

[JHuber77]

Ryan Mathews - RB - Chargers The Union-Tribune confirms that Ryan Mathews would have started in Week 4 if he hadn't fumbled against the Falcons in Week 3.The Chargers' long-term faith in Mathews has not waned, but they wanted to use him in "lower-leverage" situations last week. "He understands the importance of taking care of the ball," coach Norv Turner said. "He's not negligent. I don't think there's anyone that works any harder. He had a bad play in the Atlanta game, and I do believe that we're going to get past that." Mathews' role will grow extremely rapidly provided he takes care of the football. He's on the right track after getting 16 touches and not fumbling against the Chiefs last week. Source: Union-Tribune San Diego Oct 2 - 10:04 AM

Bull####

What, exactly is Bull####?I personally have a hard time buying this report. When the HC comes out and says (on Monday) that Mathews not starting had nothing to do with his fumble, then a report comes out on Tuesday saying it is "confirmed" that the non-start WAS a result of the fumble, I would expect to see some sort of source identified. If that didn't happen, then how exactly, did the Union-Tribune make this confirmation? Who confirmed it? ETA-I think we all agree that Norv is lying his ### off, but the point remains that he decided to not start Mathews (probably with some "help" from AJ), so if he claims it wasn't because of the fumble, how can the U-T confirm that it was?

The whole report is bull####. Turner is just AJ Smith's ### puppet. Turner is doing it because AJ Smith said so, and to save his own job Turner is going along with it.

 

[JHuber77]

20 touches, 150 total yards and 1 TD next week.

Wow, thats predicting big numbers for Battle

Battle himself would be surprised by this

 

[SacramentoBob]

20 touches, 150 total yards and 1 TD next week.

Wow, thats predicting big numbers for Battle

Battle himself would be surprised by this

Battle needs to get surprised more often. He'd lead a ton of teams to a title.

 

[Tau837]

Is this an appropriate thread to ask if anyone is trying to buy Mathews based on this news?

I personally would want no part of Matthews unless the price is REALLY low.I would however put a WW claim in for Battle if he is available.

I don't think the Mathews price is that low, yet. I picked up Battle last week, and emailed the Mathews ownwer about a trade; he had zero interest. Interestingly, he wasn't interested in acquiring Battle, either. That being said, I would definitely get Battle. I doubt he gets many more starts (barring injury), but I could see him holding onto a lot of the short yardage/goal-line work. Tolbert got double-digit TDs each of the last 2 years in that role, Battle might be able to do close to that.

Technically, this isn't true. Per DD, defining goal line carries as from opponent's 5 yard line and closer, here is the breakdown on goal line touches last seasons between Tolbert and Mathews:Tolbert: 5 TDs in 18 rushing attempts; also 1 catch on 4 targets for 1 TD

Mathews: 4 TDs in 5 rushing attempts; 0 targets

Tolbert had 6 TDs from the goal line role, and Mathews had 4. And Mathews had a much higher success rate.

 

[Tau837]

I'm a Mathews owner and also have zero interest in Battle...he's not worth owning while Mathews is healthy, and even if Mathews gets hurt I am not excited about Battle's prospects.

I'm not interested in Battle in any league, whether or not I own Mathews.

 

[BigJim®]

I'm a bit confused on this situation. What exactly is Matthews' fumbling history, and where does he rank in that category vs. other NFL RBs? Sorry if already posted.