Mathews vs. Woodhead - the San Diego backfield (2 Viewers)

[Ghoti]

I’m curious to get more opinions from the Pool regarding Ryan Mathews vs. Danny Woodhead in the San Diego backfield. Here are the stat lines from the last two games before the bye:

Mathews:

Week 6 Rushing: 22 carries, 102 yards, 0TD. Receiving: 0 catches

Week 7 Rushing: 21 carries, 110 yards, 1TD. Receiving: 0 catches

Woodhead:

Week 6 rushing: 9 carries, 36 yards, 0 TD. Receiving: 5 catches, 47 yards, 0 TD,

Week 7 rushing: 9 carries, 29 yards, 1 TD. Receiving: 4 catches, 47 yards, 0 TD,

It’s actually been fairly consistent all year, although Woodhead has seen a couple fewer catches in the most recent weeks while Mathews has seen an uptick in carries and rushing yards (as well as not being pulled at the goal line in the last game).

So... do you think Mathews may get more valuable touches (3rd down, inside the 20s, goal-line, etc.)? Or is it entirely based on the current situation in the game at hand? For those of us with both Mathews and Woodhead on our rosters, it is becoming more of an issue to decide which one to play each week. I’m wondering what other people are thinking… are you holding both for the rest of the season and playing one or the other based on passing vs. rushing matchups? For example, SD still has to play Denver twice. Common sense would say that Woodhead might be the better play in that matchup since it is likely to be a pass-fest.

But keeping one or the other on the bench every week creates decision headaches and lost value if you can make a trade for a position in need. Is anyone trying to move one or the other? Is it the shark play to try to trade off Woodhead now if Mathews is going to continue to see more time? Or is Woodhead going to be the more valuable play in the San Diego backfield, as was the case in the beginning of the season, and are you looking to move Mathews while he has decent value?

 

[Run It Up]

In PPR Id rather play out Woodhead, but I do think Mathews value will rise to a pretty comfortable RB2 for the second half of the season.

 

[nastynate]

As a Matthews owner, I hope he's more valuable, but I'm not buying it.

If SDs gameplan is to throw it, or they get behind, I think Woodhead benefits. If they're willing to commit to the run and the games stay close, I think it's a toss up with an edge to Matthews.

Tough call in non PPR. I'd say they are both worthy of flex consideration with RB2 upside, depending on matchup.

 

[RBM]

All depends on game situation. Like if SD gets down early, Mathews will be useless, Woody will be big. If it's close or SD controls the score and tempo, it will prob be like the previous two.

 

[Run It Up]

Teams are gonna have to start respecting Woodheads game and thats gonna lead to Mathews getting better opportunities.

 

[One]

Role-wise, it seems like Thomas/Ingram/Robinson-Sproles = Matthews-Woodhead

Woodhead is valuable in PPR since he's incredible in the pass-game and even gets some looks inside the 10. Matthews will be reliant on how the game plays out. If SD gets too far behind, he may not see a lot of action since most 2MinO, 3rd down and pass work goes to Brown/Woodhead.

 

[steveski]

Teams are gonna have to start respecting Woodheads game and thats gonna lead to Mathews getting better opportunities.

It's week 9. I think the cats been out of the bag for a while now.

 

[I Love Your Fantasy Team]

Teams are gonna have to start respecting Woodheads game and thats gonna lead to Mathews getting better opportunities.

It's week 9. I think the cats been out of the bag for a while now.

I agree, this has already begun to happen. While he's effective in the passing game, Woodhead isn't catching anybody off guard anymore on wheel routes vs. LBs. I wouldn't be surprised to see Mathews gaining more of a role in the RZ and pass game. Nowhere to go, but up there.

 

[Ghoti]

Right. I am seeing a lot more decent trade offers for Woodhead than I am Mathews, but that could change if the latest trend continues. This might be the best time to strike, in case Woodhead’s value starts to dip.

 

[Billy Ball Thorton]

Mathews>>>>>>>>>>Woodhead. Woodhead gets some receptions and is somewhat dependent on TD'S. Mathews snaps continue to grow. His value will only grow where as Woodhead's value is not going to grow as he cleary sucks at running the ball.

 

[Run It Up]

Teams are gonna have to start respecting Woodheads game and thats gonna lead to Mathews getting better opportunities.

It's week 9. I think the cats been out of the bag for a while now.

And yet, the amount of times I see Woodhead swing out of the backfield, or line up as a WR on a LB is double digits a game. Woodhead is of a similar talent level to Sproles and unless teams continue to respect his game as they do with Sproles he will continue to burn them on easy routes.

Mathews>>>>>>>>>>Woodhead. Woodhead gets some receptions and is somewhat dependent on TD'S. Mathews snaps continue to grow. His value will only grow where as Woodhead's value is not going to grow as he cleary sucks at running the ball.

How do you figure? Also, the same is more true about Mathews since the kid couldn't reliably get yardage if his life depended on it.

 

[ldizzle]

Mathews>>>>>>>>>>Woodhead. Woodhead gets some receptions and is somewhat dependent on TD'S. Mathews snaps continue to grow. His value will only grow where as Woodhead's value is not going to grow as he cleary sucks at running the ball.

I completely disagree with everything you have said.

 

[FF Ninja]

As a Mathews owner, I worry that his value will indeed suffer should the team fall behind. His last two performances have been impressive as he has gained excellent yardage while in obvious run situations, but without a lead I don't think he gets as many opportunities.

But there is hope. Woodhead has been poor in pass protection (to anyone's surprise??) and has not been impressive as a runner despite facing defenses expecting a pass. It is possible that as defenses marginalize Woodhead and/or take advantage of him in pass protection that the coaches are forced to turn to Mathews even if they are not nursing leads or looking for someone to run into the teeth of the defense on 1st and 10.

 

[thehornet]

Mathews will be hurt soon so this is really a non issue.

 

[BoltBacker]

As a Mathews owner, I worry that his value will indeed suffer should the team fall behind. His last two performances have been impressive as he has gained excellent yardage while in obvious run situations, but without a lead I don't think he gets as many opportunities.

Excellent point.

After reading the OP I was just going to point out that it's not wise to read too much into week 6 and 7 data. They won those games by two scores or more and perhaps more importantly held a lead for most of the game. This SD isn't that good so I wouldn't expect that to happen all that often.

Both Rivers and McCoy have done a masterful job of hiding the shortcomings of the OL and the entire defense the last couple of weeks but I can't believe they can continue to do that over the next couple of months to the degree they have for the last couple of games.

I disagree with the second paragraph slightly. IMO McCoy would rather get the ball out of the hands of Rivers than give him the additional pass protection so Woodhead will remain in the game as a receiving outlet and security blanket for Rivers. I also don't think Woodhead has been unimpressive as a runner, but he's been asked to run in situations that don't play to his strengths(between the tackles in short yardage situations). At the start of the season I expected the vast majority of his runs to be on draws in 2nd/3rd and long situations. That hasn't been the case. His use between the tackles on short yardage situations is probably my single biggest criticism of McCoy at the moment. Better to use a completely rested McClain/Brown in those situations to gain a few yards and for them to absorb all the punishment. Woodhead plays too important a role in this offense overall to subject him to that type of abuse given his build imo.

 

[BoltBacker]

And yet, the amount of times I see Woodhead swing out of the backfield, or line up as a WR on a LB is double digits a game. Woodhead is of a similar talent level to Sproles and unless teams continue to respect his game as they do with Sproles he will continue to burn them on easy routes.

They are more different than I expected now that I've seen a great deal of both of them.

Sproles is much better in space and definitely has another gear. I've always felt Sproles is better suited for turf fields as he relies on change of direction more. Woodhead(despite his height) is much more physical at the end of the play. I'm not sure if I've ever seen a player that has a sense of the first down marker the way Woodhead does. It's almost as if he can see the digital line overlayed on the field of play by the TV network. I'm not sure if his peripheral vision just works that way, or he consciously knows the yard line he needs for a first before the play is snapped.... but it's remarkable to watch. So many SD games would have gone so differently if Woodhead would have been 1 yard short.

 

[Ghoti]

Great points in here, I appreciate the opinions and insight. It’s pretty clear that that both these guys are quite good - not spectacular - fantasy football options, and there isn’t a huge difference in their comparable value (barring injury). Depending on the flow of a particular game, one or the other may break through, but it isn’t going to be easy to predict. San Diego is doing quite well this season, so I expect them to keep going with the current method of handling touches that has gotten them this far.

 

[Run It Up]

And yet, the amount of times I see Woodhead swing out of the backfield, or line up as a WR on a LB is double digits a game. Woodhead is of a similar talent level to Sproles and unless teams continue to respect his game as they do with Sproles he will continue to burn them on easy routes.

They are more different than I expected now that I've seen a great deal of both of them.

Sproles is much better in space and definitely has another gear. I've always felt Sproles is better suited for turf fields as he relies on change of direction more. Woodhead(despite his height) is much more physical at the end of the play. I'm not sure if I've ever seen a player that has a sense of the first down marker the way Woodhead does. It's almost as if he can see the digital line overlayed on the field of play by the TV network. I'm not sure if his peripheral vision just works that way, or he consciously knows the yard line he needs for a first before the play is snapped.... but it's remarkable to watch. So many SD games would have gone so differently if Woodhead would have been 1 yard short.

There is very little difference between the two in terms of talent as far as route running and ball handling and receiving, in regards to physical traits Sproles MAY be a little quicker, but he isn't faster or stronger than Woodhead.

Idk why people consistently undervalue Woodhead but the guy is a physical freak for his frame, 5'6" 200+ lbs, 4.33 forty.

 

[Raiderfan32904]

Chargers defense is going to be tested the rest of the season. I'd expect the shootouts to continue. And that bodes well for Woodhead to continue to rack up points in PPR leagues. I felt so confident in Woodhead, I traded away my top pick Ray Rice, who I think will not turn his season around and made Woodhead my RB1. I'm counting on Woodhead sustaining his high floor in PPR.

 

[BoltBacker]

Idk why people consistently undervalue Woodhead but the guy is a physical freak for his frame, 5'6" 200+ lbs, 4.33 forty.

FWIW, the reason I say Sproles has another gear is I don't see Woodhead run past people the way Sproles runs past people. It's not a stopwatch thing, it's on the field. Also, as a SD fan I can tell you Woodhead is much more important to this offense than Sproles ever was. Several of the years Sproles was on the SD roster he wasn't even guaranteed making the team. Not a lot of people remember that. Behind Rivers, the one injury that SD can't afford would be an injury to Woodhead moving the chains. I certainly don't undervalue his contributions in any way.

 

[LargeMouthBass]

There's a good chance Mathews goes for another 100 yards and possibly a TD.

If that's the case, his value definitely can't be ignored. Especially this year with all the RB1 let downs.

 

[Beerguzzler]

Idk why people consistently undervalue Woodhead but the guy is a physical freak for his frame, 5'6" 200+ lbs, 4.33 forty.

FWIW, the reason I say Sproles has another gear is I don't see Woodhead run past people the way Sproles runs past people. It's not a stopwatch thing, it's on the field. Also, as a SD fan I can tell you Woodhead is much more important to this offense than Sproles ever was. Several of the years Sproles was on the SD roster he wasn't even guaranteed making the team. Not a lot of people remember that. Behind Rivers, the one injury that SD can't afford would be an injury to Woodhead moving the chains. I certainly don't undervalue his contributions in any way.

Not guaranteed making the the team? Maybe his rookie year. He was franchised on back to back years because he didn't want to sign an extension with the team.

 

[cstu]

Mathews has done this vs. the two worst run defenses the Chargers faced all year by far. They have another easy one coming up (Redskins) but after that it becomes very difficult. That bodes well for Woodhead.

 

[cstu]

Idk why people consistently undervalue Woodhead but the guy is a physical freak for his frame, 5'6" 200+ lbs, 4.33 forty.

You may not have noticed but Woodhead is...

 

[FF Ninja]

As a Mathews owner, I worry that his value will indeed suffer should the team fall behind. His last two performances have been impressive as he has gained excellent yardage while in obvious run situations, but without a lead I don't think he gets as many opportunities.

Excellent point.

After reading the OP I was just going to point out that it's not wise to read too much into week 6 and 7 data. They won those games by two scores or more and perhaps more importantly held a lead for most of the game. This SD isn't that good so I wouldn't expect that to happen all that often.

Both Rivers and McCoy have done a masterful job of hiding the shortcomings of the OL and the entire defense the last couple of weeks but I can't believe they can continue to do that over the next couple of months to the degree they have for the last couple of games.

I disagree with the second paragraph slightly. IMO McCoy would rather get the ball out of the hands of Rivers than give him the additional pass protection so Woodhead will remain in the game as a receiving outlet and security blanket for Rivers. I also don't think Woodhead has been unimpressive as a runner, but he's been asked to run in situations that don't play to his strengths(between the tackles in short yardage situations). At the start of the season I expected the vast majority of his runs to be on draws in 2nd/3rd and long situations. That hasn't been the case. His use between the tackles on short yardage situations is probably my single biggest criticism of McCoy at the moment. Better to use a completely rested McClain/Brown in those situations to gain a few yards and for them to absorb all the punishment. Woodhead plays too important a role in this offense overall to subject him to that type of abuse given his build imo.

That's exactly what makes him unimpressive. He's not actually a good and/or versatile runner. Anybody can get good yardage on 3rd and long or a draw play where the LBs have already dropped back into coverage. That doesn't make him "good in space" or whatever people say. That's probably why he finished dead last in the RB elusive ratings last year. He's small and ran a great 40 at the combine, but that doesn't make him a great running back. Picking up yards when the defense is expecting a pass while getting no yards after contact or breaking tackles looks good in a box score but the elusiveness rating shows that it isn't actually much of an accomplishment.

Also, Mathews is actually a very good receiving outlet/security blanket. They just don't use him that way. He's also big enough to be a pass blocker when needed which Woodhead has proven he's not.

 

[Run It Up]

Woodhead has proved the haters wrong every year he has been in the league (besides a short stint with the Jets).

Mathews has proved the haters wrong literally never - even in games where he plays like people would expect him to he then plays like crap for the next four games.

Consistency is the metric of true talent.

 

[FF Ninja]

Woodhead has proved the haters wrong every year he has been in the league (besides a short stint with the Jets).

Mathews has proved the haters wrong literally never - even in games where he plays like people would expect him to he then plays like crap for the next four games.

Consistency is the metric of true talent.

You literally need to look at his 2011 game log and realize that you don't know what you are talking about.

 

[oswizzle]

Matthews is starting to warm up.... he's got a way more potential to bigger down the stretch than Woodhead

 

[cstu]

Picking up yards when the defense is expecting a pass while getting no yards after contact or breaking tackles looks good in a box score but the elusiveness rating shows that it isn't actually much of an accomplishment.

Woodhead has converted a 1st down on 15 out of 18 rushes and catches with 5 or less yards to go outside the 5.

Mathews is 11 of 18.

Say what you want about him but he's pretty damn effective.

 

[BoltBacker]

Idk why people consistently undervalue Woodhead but the guy is a physical freak for his frame, 5'6" 200+ lbs, 4.33 forty.

FWIW, the reason I say Sproles has another gear is I don't see Woodhead run past people the way Sproles runs past people. It's not a stopwatch thing, it's on the field. Also, as a SD fan I can tell you Woodhead is much more important to this offense than Sproles ever was. Several of the years Sproles was on the SD roster he wasn't even guaranteed making the team. Not a lot of people remember that. Behind Rivers, the one injury that SD can't afford would be an injury to Woodhead moving the chains. I certainly don't undervalue his contributions in any way.

Not guaranteed making the the team? Maybe his rookie year. He was franchised on back to back years because he didn't want to sign an extension with the team.

His first two years after being drafted Tomlinson/Turner/Neal were locks as RB's on the roster... and more importantly to play close to 100% of the snaps. Going into his third training camp Sproles averaged around ~30 touches per season from the LOS. It wasn't until that third season he actually was integrated into the offense and proved himself to be anything more than a return specialist. His roster spot wasn't truly cemented until his 4th summer in the league after he had proven he was more than just a returner.

ETA I had forgotten that Sproles had missed his sophomore season in 2006 to injury. So he actually hadn't proven himself as a weapon in the offense until his FOURTH season... and even then we're talking about a guy who got 600+ yards from scrimmage. I was rooting for him to make the roster back in the day but I think the "legend of Sproles" has gotten a little out of hand. He had one year where over 1000 combined yards in a very unusual situation.... but I don't expect him to ever repeat that one season and never understand when people expect that as the norm. Even when he was given the franchise tag nobody thought of him as anything more than a complimentary piece.

 

[BoltBacker]

That doesn't make him "good in space" or whatever people say. That's probably why he finished dead last in the RB elusive ratings last year. He's small and ran a great 40 at the combine, but that doesn't make him a great running back.

Actually, my point was Woodhead isn't really all that "good in space" and that was one of the reasons Woodhead and Sproles are different. I think people like to compare the two because they are both in stature and receiving backs but imo there is quite a difference between the two.

Also, if you are looking for any of these guys(Woodhead, Mathews, and Sproles) and thinking you'll find a "GREAT running back" you have to squint your eyes, very, very hard. None of them are great.

 

[LargeMouthBass]

There's a good chance Mathews goes for another 100 yards and possibly a TD.

If that's the case, his value definitely can't be ignored. Especially this year with all the RB1 let downs.

I take this statement back. 1st and goal with game on the line and Mathews gets no carries after starting out hot.

He is not worth the start the rest of the season and most likely need to get dropped.

 

[BoltBacker]

There's a good chance Mathews goes for another 100 yards and possibly a TD.

If that's the case, his value definitely can't be ignored. Especially this year with all the RB1 let downs.

I take this statement back. 1st and goal with game on the line and Mathews gets no carries after starting out hot.

He is not worth the start the rest of the season and most likely need to get dropped.

Meh, you do realize he has 1 rushing TD in his last ~300 carries, right? I'm not too sure why so many people are expecting him to be used as a goal line back. I am pretty sure he has more fumbles than TD's inside the 10 yard line during that span.

As a Charger fan, I was more pissed they didn't call the pick play to Royal that denver used last week to score a TD from the goal line with Welker.

Mathews will be worth a start at some point before the end of the season, but when that comes will be anyone's guess.

 

[LargeMouthBass]

He has no value. He rushed 6 times for 33 yards early before he got pulled for no reason (that's 5.5 yards/carry).

If you don't feed him the ball in a close game with 5.5 yards/carry, he won't get carries with his schedule in line.

He no longer has value imo...

 

[BoltBacker]

He has no value.

Float an offer to the Darren Sproles owner. You might be surprised.

 

[pbandy1]

He has no value. He rushed 6 times for 33 yards early before he got pulled for no reason (that's 5.5 yards/carry).

If you don't feed him the ball in a close game with 5.5 yards/carry, he won't get carries with his schedule in line.

He no longer has value imo...

Eh, I'm not so sure. Mathews was getting carries at the start of the game but then the Chargers found themselves down by two TD's pretty quickly. It looked like at that point, they were in hurry-up mode and kept Woodhead in their for the majority of the snaps so they can throw it to him.

 

[Breesisdaman]

Why they don use Matthews in the passing offense totally baffles me. He would be a total stud in space.

 

[LargeMouthBass]

He has no value. He rushed 6 times for 33 yards early before he got pulled for no reason (that's 5.5 yards/carry).

If you don't feed him the ball in a close game with 5.5 yards/carry, he won't get carries with his schedule in line.

He no longer has value imo...

Eh, I'm not so sure. Mathews was getting carries at the start of the game but then the Chargers found themselves down by two TD's pretty quickly. It looked like at that point, they were in hurry-up mode and kept Woodhead in their for the majority of the snaps so they can throw it to him.

Nah, the score was tied when they stopped giving him carries.

 

[pbandy1]

He has no value. He rushed 6 times for 33 yards early before he got pulled for no reason (that's 5.5 yards/carry).

If you don't feed him the ball in a close game with 5.5 yards/carry, he won't get carries with his schedule in line.

He no longer has value imo...

Eh, I'm not so sure. Mathews was getting carries at the start of the game but then the Chargers found themselves down by two TD's pretty quickly. It looked like at that point, they were in hurry-up mode and kept Woodhead in their for the majority of the snaps so they can throw it to him.

Nah, the score was tied when they stopped giving him carries.

If that's the case, that's obviously not good... I just don't get their game-plan sometimes. Going from 22, 21 carries to 7 against one of the worst run defenses in the league.

 

[cstu]

Mathews has done this vs. the two worst run defenses the Chargers faced all year by far. They have another easy one coming up (Redskins) but after that it becomes very difficult. That bodes well for Woodhead.

 

[RGIII HTTR]

SD coaches are tools!!!! Matthews was averaging 5 yards a carry in first quarter of the game and they never went back to him. They had first and goal at the one yard line and a TD would have won the game for them. You'd think they would put a real RB in to punch it in, no the SD coaches try to punch it in with the smallest player in the NFL (Woodhead)...I think both PK's in the game are bigger than him. Of course, the Redskins D huff n puffed and Woodhead fell down for NO GAIN. Then attempted pass play, fail. Then they bring in Matthews, but only as a decoy as the pass fails again. So they settle for a FG and go into OT and then loss the game.

Amazing that an RB can get 5 yds a carry and coached leave him on the sideline to catch a sun tan, even in situations where his presence is most needed. If I were Matthews, I would not re-sign with SD and that would be even if they are paying the most. SD lost that game because of poor coaching.

 

[fightingillini]

SD coaches are tools!!!! Matthews was averaging 5 yards a carry in first quarter of the game and they never went back to him. They had first and goal at the one yard line and a TD would have won the game for them. You'd think they would put a real RB in to punch it in, no the SD coaches try to punch it in with the smallest player in the NFL (Woodhead)...I think both PK's in the game are bigger than him. Of course, the Redskins D huff n puffed and Woodhead fell down for NO GAIN. Then attempted pass play, fail. Then they bring in Matthews, but only as a decoy as the pass fails again. So they settle for a FG and go into OT and then loss the game.

Amazing that an RB can get 5 yds a carry and coached leave him on the sideline to catch a sun tan, even in situations where his presence is most needed. If I were Matthews, I would not re-sign with SD and that would be even if they are paying the most. SD lost that game because of poor coaching.

I don't get it either.

But the SD coaching staff loves Woodhead, and I don't think that's going to change. Don't get me wrong, Woodhead a very good player and brings a nice element to the SD offense, but it's foolish to run him in a goalline formation inside the 5.

 

[pbandy1]

SD coaches are tools!!!! Matthews was averaging 5 yards a carry in first quarter of the game and they never went back to him. They had first and goal at the one yard line and a TD would have won the game for them. You'd think they would put a real RB in to punch it in, no the SD coaches try to punch it in with the smallest player in the NFL (Woodhead)...I think both PK's in the game are bigger than him. Of course, the Redskins D huff n puffed and Woodhead fell down for NO GAIN. Then attempted pass play, fail. Then they bring in Matthews, but only as a decoy as the pass fails again. So they settle for a FG and go into OT and then loss the game.

Amazing that an RB can get 5 yds a carry and coached leave him on the sideline to catch a sun tan, even in situations where his presence is most needed. If I were Matthews, I would not re-sign with SD and that would be even if they are paying the most. SD lost that game because of poor coaching.

I'm wondering if any of the San Diego press asked any tough questions to McCoy about Mathews' usage.

 

[thehornet]

anybody got the stones to roll with him week 10?

 

[SportsGuru311]

Mathews is starting to play as expected. He is good, but still they both for a good 1-2 punch for SD

 

[FF Ninja]

anybody got the stones to roll with him week 10?

You'd basically have to be expecting the coaches to realize what they're doing isn't working and that maybe replacing a role player with a playmaker as the focal point of the offense might be a good last resort. So yeah, you'd have to be crazy to start him in week 10.

 

[zandbak]

SD coaches are tools!!!! Matthews was averaging 5 yards a carry in first quarter of the game and they never went back to him. They had first and goal at the one yard line and a TD would have won the game for them. You'd think they would put a real RB in to punch it in, no the SD coaches try to punch it in with the smallest player in the NFL (Woodhead)...I think both PK's in the game are bigger than him. Of course, the Redskins D huff n puffed and Woodhead fell down for NO GAIN. Then attempted pass play, fail. Then they bring in Matthews, but only as a decoy as the pass fails again. So they settle for a FG and go into OT and then loss the game.

Amazing that an RB can get 5 yds a carry and coached leave him on the sideline to catch a sun tan, even in situations where his presence is most needed. If I were Matthews, I would not re-sign with SD and that would be even if they are paying the most. SD lost that game because of poor coaching.

Have you ever seen Mathews play? In crunch time he isn't used because he's unreliable and always has been unreliable. Woodhead nearly punched it in, Mathews would have fumbled or broke a collarbone.

You were lulled by a crappy player having a few decent games. Mathews is trash, will always be trash and will continue to let you down.

 

[RBM]

SD coaches are tools!!!! Matthews was averaging 5 yards a carry in first quarter of the game and they never went back to him. They had first and goal at the one yard line and a TD would have won the game for them. You'd think they would put a real RB in to punch it in, no the SD coaches try to punch it in with the smallest player in the NFL (Woodhead)...I think both PK's in the game are bigger than him. Of course, the Redskins D huff n puffed and Woodhead fell down for NO GAIN. Then attempted pass play, fail. Then they bring in Matthews, but only as a decoy as the pass fails again. So they settle for a FG and go into OT and then loss the game.

Amazing that an RB can get 5 yds a carry and coached leave him on the sideline to catch a sun tan, even in situations where his presence is most needed. If I were Matthews, I would not re-sign with SD and that would be even if they are paying the most. SD lost that game because of poor coaching.

Have you ever seen Mathews play? In crunch time he isn't used because he's unreliable and always has been unreliable. Woodhead nearly punched it in, Mathews would have fumbled or broke a collarbone.

You were lulled by a crappy player having a few decent games. Mathews is trash, will always be trash and will continue to let you down.

2011 - Top 10 rb

2012 - 2 broken collarbones

2013 - looking very good in spite of horrendous usage

I'm thinking you don't have a great grasp on this situation and can be disregarded in the future.

 

[RBM]

SD coaches are tools!!!! Matthews was averaging 5 yards a carry in first quarter of the game and they never went back to him. They had first and goal at the one yard line and a TD would have won the game for them. You'd think they would put a real RB in to punch it in, no the SD coaches try to punch it in with the smallest player in the NFL (Woodhead)...I think both PK's in the game are bigger than him. Of course, the Redskins D huff n puffed and Woodhead fell down for NO GAIN. Then attempted pass play, fail. Then they bring in Matthews, but only as a decoy as the pass fails again. So they settle for a FG and go into OT and then loss the game.

Amazing that an RB can get 5 yds a carry and coached leave him on the sideline to catch a sun tan, even in situations where his presence is most needed. If I were Matthews, I would not re-sign with SD and that would be even if they are paying the most. SD lost that game because of poor coaching.

I'm wondering if any of the San Diego press asked any tough questions to McCoy about Mathews' usage.

McCoy and Whisenhut have to realize they cost the team a huge win because of their play calling. If they are good coaches they will rectify it. If they are the stubborn types and don't change they will be looking for work in 2 years.

 

[zandbak]

SD coaches are tools!!!! Matthews was averaging 5 yards a carry in first quarter of the game and they never went back to him. They had first and goal at the one yard line and a TD would have won the game for them. You'd think they would put a real RB in to punch it in, no the SD coaches try to punch it in with the smallest player in the NFL (Woodhead)...I think both PK's in the game are bigger than him. Of course, the Redskins D huff n puffed and Woodhead fell down for NO GAIN. Then attempted pass play, fail. Then they bring in Matthews, but only as a decoy as the pass fails again. So they settle for a FG and go into OT and then loss the game.

Amazing that an RB can get 5 yds a carry and coached leave him on the sideline to catch a sun tan, even in situations where his presence is most needed. If I were Matthews, I would not re-sign with SD and that would be even if they are paying the most. SD lost that game because of poor coaching.

Have you ever seen Mathews play? In crunch time he isn't used because he's unreliable and always has been unreliable. Woodhead nearly punched it in, Mathews would have fumbled or broke a collarbone.

You were lulled by a crappy player having a few decent games. Mathews is trash, will always be trash and will continue to let you down.

2011 - Top 10 rb

2012 - 2 broken collarbones

2013 - looking very good in spite of horrendous usage

I'm thinking you don't have a great grasp on this situation and can be disregarded in the future.

We have vastly different definitions of 'very good'