Ryan Mathews & Mike Tolbert, RBs, San Diego Chargers (1 Viewer)

[tommyGunZ]

Tolbert is 10th right now based on a 3 TD game and averaging 8.5 receptions in the first 2 games. I think he is gonna fall WAY off that pace. The rest of the season I expect more stat lines like yesterday than I do weeks 1 or 2. People can talk about the calf injury but I don't think that's what limited his touches to such an extent. I think Mathews is simply too good to keep off the field right now.As long as Mathews is healthy, NO WAY do I feel comfortable with Tolbert as a RB2 or RB3 going forward. IMO he's a high end handcuff that will vulture a few TDs and have a nice PPR game every now and then. That's it. RB2 going forward is crazy talk IMO.

If you started Tolbert in weeks 2 and 3 based on Week 1 (and FBG's cheatsheets) - you got burned, especially in non-PPR.Week 1: 27.3 (non-ppr); 36.3 (ppr)Week 2: 6.3 (non-ppr); 14.3 (ppr)Week 3: 4.3 (non-ppr); 7.3 (ppr)In non-ppr leagues, unless something changes Tolbert is strictly Mathews handcuff/insurance. And since value per ADP has been a big part of the thread discussion, at this point we're looking at a 5th rounder on Mathews returning a top 5-10 RB, and the 7th-9th rounder on Tolbert returning a handcuff. Ouch.

 

[Apple Jack]

Tolbert is 10th right now based on a 3 TD game and averaging 8.5 receptions in the first 2 games. I think he is gonna fall WAY off that pace. The rest of the season I expect more stat lines like yesterday than I do weeks 1 or 2. People can talk about the calf injury but I don't think that's what limited his touches to such an extent. I think Mathews is simply too good to keep off the field right now.As long as Mathews is healthy, NO WAY do I feel comfortable with Tolbert as a RB2 or RB3 going forward. IMO he's a high end handcuff that will vulture a few TDs and have a nice PPR game every now and then. That's it. RB2 going forward is crazy talk IMO.

If you started Tolbert in weeks 2 and 3 based on Week 1 (and FBG's cheatsheets) - you got burned, especially in non-PPR.Week 1: 27.3 (non-ppr); 36.3 (ppr)Week 2: 6.3 (non-ppr); 14.3 (ppr)Week 3: 4.3 (non-ppr); 7.3 (ppr)In non-ppr leagues, unless something changes Tolbert is strictly Mathews handcuff/insurance. And since value per ADP has been a big part of the thread discussion, at this point we're looking at a 5th rounder on Mathews returning a top 5-10 RB, and the 7th-9th rounder on Tolbert returning a handcuff. Ouch.

I have them both so for the first time this week, I felt like I had to start them both. I think that's what was required based on how they were used in the first two weeks. Thankfully, it appears that Mathews has capitalized enough on his opportunities in his perceived weakness areas to have put some separation between them now. I feel safe sitting Tolbert going forward, though I sure he'll get some redzone touches that will be frustrating to watch. But Mathews seems to have signaled his arrival in these last two weeks and the Chargers would be foolish to not ride his hot hand. I didn't see him make a mistake this week. Did anybody else?

 

[RUSF18]

But even if the current trend reverses and Tolbert goes back to getting the GL touches, Mathews rushing and receiving performance should be plenty to keep his value strong as a 4th/5th rounder. The goal line touches are the icing.

 

[tommyGunZ]

Tolbert is 10th right now based on a 3 TD game and averaging 8.5 receptions in the first 2 games.

I think he is gonna fall WAY off that pace. The rest of the season I expect more stat lines like yesterday than I do weeks 1 or 2. People can talk about the calf injury but I don't think that's what limited his touches to such an extent. I think Mathews is simply too good to keep off the field right now.

As long as Mathews is healthy, NO WAY do I feel comfortable with Tolbert as a RB2 or RB3 going forward. IMO he's a high end handcuff that will vulture a few TDs and have a nice PPR game every now and then. That's it. RB2 going forward is crazy talk IMO.

If you started Tolbert in weeks 2 and 3 based on Week 1 (and FBG's cheatsheets) - you got burned, especially in non-PPR.Week 1: 27.3 (non-ppr); 36.3 (ppr)

Week 2: 6.3 (non-ppr); 14.3 (ppr)

Week 3: 4.3 (non-ppr); 7.3 (ppr)

In non-ppr leagues, unless something changes Tolbert is strictly Mathews handcuff/insurance.

And since value per ADP has been a big part of the thread discussion, at this point we're looking at a 5th rounder on Mathews returning a top 5-10 RB, and the 7th-9th rounder on Tolbert returning a handcuff. Ouch.

I have them both so for the first time this week, I felt like I had to start them both. I think that's what was required based on how they were used in the first two weeks. Thankfully, it appears that Mathews has capitalized enough on his opportunities in his perceived weakness areas to have put some separation between them now. I feel safe sitting Tolbert going forward, though I sure he'll get some redzone touches that will be frustrating to watch. But Mathews seems to have signaled his arrival in these last two weeks and the Chargers would be foolish to not ride his hot hand. I didn't see him make a mistake this week. Did anybody else?

His only blemish was getting run over in pass protection (in the 2nd Q IIRC) and allowing Rivers to take an additional shot (Rivers was already being sacked by Hester's responsibility). So while it added to Rivers' pain, the result of the play (sack) wasn't on Mathews. Otherwise, he looked like a stallion.

 

[Touchdown There]

Tolbert is 10th right now based on a 3 TD game and averaging 8.5 receptions in the first 2 games. I think he is gonna fall WAY off that pace. The rest of the season I expect more stat lines like yesterday than I do weeks 1 or 2. People can talk about the calf injury but I don't think that's what limited his touches to such an extent. I think Mathews is simply too good to keep off the field right now.As long as Mathews is healthy, NO WAY do I feel comfortable with Tolbert as a RB2 or RB3 going forward. IMO he's a high end handcuff that will vulture a few TDs and have a nice PPR game every now and then. That's it. RB2 going forward is crazy talk IMO.

If you started Tolbert in weeks 2 and 3 based on Week 1 (and FBG's cheatsheets) - you got burned, especially in non-PPR.Week 1: 27.3 (non-ppr); 36.3 (ppr)Week 2: 6.3 (non-ppr); 14.3 (ppr)Week 3: 4.3 (non-ppr); 7.3 (ppr)In non-ppr leagues, unless something changes Tolbert is strictly Mathews handcuff/insurance. And since value per ADP has been a big part of the thread discussion, at this point we're looking at a 5th rounder on Mathews returning a top 5-10 RB, and the 7th-9th rounder on Tolbert returning a handcuff. Ouch.

In the same way that it was not accurate for Tolbert owners to discount Ryan Mathews based on his injured rookie season, it would be foolish to discount Tolbert when he is healthy. I personally believe that he was not 100% last week. Between Rotoworld and MFL player news, I have seen knee, toe and calf injuries were reported last week. The Chargers are being coy about what is specifically ailing him.For right now, I do agree with your assessment above. Tolbert is a flex play until he looks like himself again. If it is turf toe or a meniscus, that may not be until next year.

 

[Tau837]

Tolbert is a flex play until he looks like himself again. If it is turf toe or a meniscus, that may not be until next year.

Your post implies that once he is healthy, he will be more than a flex play. IMO that won't happen unless Mathews gets hurt or falters. Not the best analogy, but remember when the Chargers had both Tomlinson and Turner, and Turner was very good when given opportunities? Well, he wasn't given many opportunities, because LT was too good. IMO this is a similar situation. Mathews is too good to give many touches to a lesser back, like Tolbert, unless there is something situational that another RB on the roster does better. Right now, the only possible thing that fits that criteria is pass protection, but even that will likely change as Mathews gains experience.

 

[scrumptrulescent]

Ryan Mathews (foot) was limited in Chargers practice Wednesday.Both Mathews and coach Norv Turner said the injury isn't serious. Limited early-week practices are routine for Chargers players, so we see no reason to be concerned. Mathews is currently the No. 5 overall fantasy back.

 

[Blackjacks]

So I have been quiet here but if u had watched both these backs play the first 3 weeks and you are still saying Tolbert is worth a flex I don't understand where you are coming from. I have watched almost every play for the Chargers and both rb's and there just is no comparison between the 2's talent. The whole team looks better with Mathews out there.

Tolbert will be Le'ron McClain after this year (and thats not a good thing)

 

[Mr Rodgers neighborhood]

Tolbert will be Le'ron McClain after this year (and thats not a good thing)

The Chargers would disagree.

 

[Mr Rodgers neighborhood]

Mathews is now the #5 RB in non-PPR, #4 RB overall in PPR.If the draft was held today, would he go top 5 overall? McFadden, Rice, and AP are the RBs I could see taken in front of Mathews - and you could argue that Mathews has as much upside as any of those guys due to the fact that he plays in the best offense.Sit back and enjoy the ride Mathews owners.

As a Mathews owner in my dynasty, I can honestly say that there isn't a single RB that I would rush to trade him for in the league. Maybe it's because I've been waiting since week 1 of 2010 season, but I think this guy can be special for a long time.

 

[Brock Middlebrook]

Question for RM owners....

The scuttlerbut abour RM showing up out of shape to camp...was it just hype, or could this come back to bite him? Is there an injury risk there?

Outside of injury to RM, MT is holding little value right now

 

[Hoosier16]

Question for RM owners....The scuttlerbut abour RM showing up out of shape to camp...was it just hype, or could this come back to bite him? Is there an injury risk there?Outside of injury to RM, MT is holding little value right now

I don't see how being out of shape in late July would have any contribution to his injury risk in late September.

 

[Raider Nation]

They aren't even trying to run the ball today. Mathews has 4 carries for 16 yards in the first half.

I'm guessing that ankle is worse than we think.

 

[T J]

They aren't even trying to run the ball today. Mathews has 4 carries for 16 yards in the first half.I'm guessing that ankle is worse than we think.

I doubt it.Dolphins can't cover Vincent Jackson. They're just having fun with that matchup.

 

[Raider Nation]

That's better. 42 yard catch. But he has to come out at the 5 in favor of fat ass Tolbert.

 

[RBM]

Thats annoying...Tolbert cant do one thing better than Mathews. No need to even involved him unless Mathews needs to take a play off for being winded.

 

[Apple Jack]

Thats annoying...Tolbert cant do one thing better than Mathews. No need to even involved him unless Mathews needs to take a play off for being winded.

Or unless you want to spread the wear and tear over two players rather than just having your star absorb it all. There are a lot of hard hits at the goal line. And reducing fatigue. It makes perfect sense that they use Tolbert the way they do.

 

[RhymesMcJuice]

Question for RM owners....

The scuttlerbut abour RM showing up out of shape to camp...was it just hype, or could this come back to bite him? Is there an injury risk there?

Outside of injury to RM, MT is holding little value right now

That's what I thought when I decided to bench Tolbert for Moore. It's working for the Bolts but what a situation for fantasy owners.

 

[RUSF18]

149 total yards and 5 catches. Tolbert can have the GL carries and other grinding plays if I get that production weekly and Mathews stays fresh as a result.

 

[ashishka]

Couple thoughts after watching the majority of the game

1) Ryan Matthews looked really good, not bothered by the foot injury which is a good sign

2) Tolbert also looked healthy

3) Ryan matthews has a lock on the job between the 20s especially given his ability to make plays after the catch, also saw him on a bunch of 3rd down plays

4) Tolbert was the go to back on the goaline as expected

5) Chargers used both tolebert and matthews on the field together in the redzone.

 

[cvnpoka]

Couple thoughts after watching the majority of the game1) Ryan Matthews looked really good, not bothered by the foot injury which is a good sign2) Tolbert also looked healthy3) Ryan matthews has a lock on the job between the 20s especially given his ability to make plays after the catch, also saw him on a bunch of 3rd down plays4) Tolbert was the go to back on the goaline as expected5) Chargers used both tolebert and matthews on the field together in the redzone.

to add 6) tolbert is usually the 3rd down back

 

[Mr Rodgers neighborhood]

Couple thoughts after watching the majority of the game1) Ryan Matthews looked really good, not bothered by the foot injury which is a good sign2) Tolbert also looked healthy3) Ryan matthews has a lock on the job between the 20s especially given his ability to make plays after the catch, also saw him on a bunch of 3rd down plays4) Tolbert was the go to back on the goaline as expected5) Chargers used both tolebert and matthews on the field together in the redzone.

to add 6) tolbert is usually the 3rd down back

I think you missed the end of #3. Mathews is getting more third down work as the season progresses.

 

[cvnpoka]

he has always gotten some, where is the evidence that he is actually getting more? i suppose someone could go back and watch the game rewinds...

 

[Short Corner]

Giving it another week or two before trying to buy low on Tolbert. A decent lottery ticket to have if RM goes down.

 

[abhall]

Outside of injury to RM, MT is holding little value right now

Seriously? He's the 8th ranked RB in my PPR league. I'd say that's nice value at the FLEX position.

 

[Grand Poobah]

Outside of injury to RM, MT is holding little value right now

Seriously? He's the 8th ranked RB in my PPR league. I'd say that's nice value at the FLEX position.

Tolbert had 3 tds in week one, so his numbers look better than his current value. imo

 

[Touchdown There]

Outside of injury to RM, MT is holding little value right now

Seriously? He's the 8th ranked RB in my PPR league. I'd say that's nice value at the FLEX position.

Tolbert had 3 tds in week one, so his numbers look better than his current value. imo

He has a total of 4 TDs in 4 games. Would it be easier on your mind if he had 1 TD a game for 4 games?

 

[Touchdown There]

Tolbert is a flex play until he looks like himself again. If it is turf toe or a meniscus, that may not be until next year.

Your post implies that once he is healthy, he will be more than a flex play. IMO that won't happen unless Mathews gets hurt or falters. Not the best analogy, but remember when the Chargers had both Tomlinson and Turner, and Turner was very good when given opportunities? Well, he wasn't given many opportunities, because LT was too good. IMO this is a similar situation. Mathews is too good to give many touches to a lesser back, like Tolbert, unless there is something situational that another RB on the roster does better. Right now, the only possible thing that fits that criteria is pass protection, but even that will likely change as Mathews gains experience.

You are correct, my post does imply Tolbert will be more than a flex play. This is because both backs are in the #1 2011 fantasy points producing RBBC. Mathews is an RB1. Tolbert is an RB2.

 

[FF Ninja]

Outside of injury to RM, MT is holding little value right now

Seriously? He's the 8th ranked RB in my PPR league. I'd say that's nice value at the FLEX position.

Tolbert had 3 tds in week one, so his numbers look better than his current value. imo

He has a total of 4 TDs in 4 games. Would it be easier on your mind if he had 1 TD a game for 4 games?

I think it would primarily be easier on his fantasy owners if he had 1 TD a game for 4 games. Those who got stuck with 6.3 and 4.3 points in weeks 2 and 3 can't be too happy.Like I said before, Mathews is going to be feast or average from here on out while Tolbert is average or famine. His owners are praying for a goal line carry every week. And while it makes sense to not burden your best player with those tough yards, Mathews is more effective at the goal line because he gives you more options. You won't see Tolbert beating anyone to the outside as Mathews has done on two out of his three TDs.

 

[VaTerp]

Norv looks ready to give Mathews a true feature role and suggests that he's a "special back"

http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/5603/ryan-mathews

Anyone who thinks Tolbert is a RB2 with a healthy Mathews is delusional.

Again, going forward Mathews is a RB1, Tolbert is a high end handcuff who is a decent bye week/flex option in PPR and you hope you can get lucky with a TD if you have to play him.

 

[Touchdown There]

Norv looks ready to give Mathews a true feature role and suggests that he's a "special back"http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/5603/ryan-mathewsAnyone who thinks Tolbert is a RB2 with a healthy Mathews is delusional. Again, going forward Mathews is a RB1, Tolbert is a high end handcuff who is a decent bye week/flex option in PPR and you hope you can get lucky with a TD if you have to play him.

I will place myself right in the delusional category. Tolbert is an RB2 in PPR.

 

[VaTerp]

Norv looks ready to give Mathews a true feature role and suggests that he's a "special back"http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/5603/ryan-mathewsAnyone who thinks Tolbert is a RB2 with a healthy Mathews is delusional. Again, going forward Mathews is a RB1, Tolbert is a high end handcuff who is a decent bye week/flex option in PPR and you hope you can get lucky with a TD if you have to play him.

I will place myself right in the delusional category. Tolbert is an RB2 in PPR.

So where do you see Tolbert ranking going forward?

 

[FGITLOTR]

He's very talented, but has to prove he can stay healthy an entire season before he moves into the upper echelon of RB's.

 

[REDRUM26]

Ryan Mathews has 17 more fantasy points then Adrian Peterson in a PPR right now.

 

[scrumptrulescent]

Norv looks ready to give Mathews a true feature role and suggests that he's a "special back"

http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/5603/ryan-mathews

Anyone who thinks Tolbert is a RB2 with a healthy Mathews is delusional.

Again, going forward Mathews is a RB1, Tolbert is a high end handcuff who is a decent bye week/flex option in PPR and you hope you can get lucky with a TD if you have to play him.

Wha? I think you're jumping the gun a bit here. Mathews is definitely the better talent by far but there's room for both, especially with a gimpy Gates being out so much. Tolbert's receptions and goal line work tell me he's not going anywhere and could very well end up a value again this year like he was last year, especially because of the Gates injuries. Tolbert is the 11th overall RB for scoring in my league right now (non ppr). Mathews is 7th. I believe there's room for both to end up in the top 15 playing for SD this year.Mathews could be a straight up stud, but Tolbert will be good value.

 

[VaTerp]

Norv looks ready to give Mathews a true feature role and suggests that he's a "special back"

http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/5603/ryan-mathews

Anyone who thinks Tolbert is a RB2 with a healthy Mathews is delusional.

Again, going forward Mathews is a RB1, Tolbert is a high end handcuff who is a decent bye week/flex option in PPR and you hope you can get lucky with a TD if you have to play him.

Wha? I think you're jumping the gun a bit here. Mathews is definitely the better talent by far but there's room for both, especially with a gimpy Gates being out so much. Tolbert's receptions and goal line work tell me he's not going anywhere and could very well end up a value again this year like he was last year, especially because of the Gates injuries. Tolbert is the 11th overall RB for scoring in my league right now (non ppr). Mathews is 7th. I believe there's room for both to end up in the top 15 playing for SD this year.Mathews could be a straight up stud, but Tolbert will be good value.

Time will tell but I just don't see how Tolbert is a RB2 from this point on. Where do you see Tolbert ranking from this point forward. Not end year total but from this point forward, you would still rank Tolbert top 15?

 

[scrumptrulescent]

Norv looks ready to give Mathews a true feature role and suggests that he's a "special back"

http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/5603/ryan-mathews

Anyone who thinks Tolbert is a RB2 with a healthy Mathews is delusional.

Again, going forward Mathews is a RB1, Tolbert is a high end handcuff who is a decent bye week/flex option in PPR and you hope you can get lucky with a TD if you have to play him.

Wha? I think you're jumping the gun a bit here. Mathews is definitely the better talent by far but there's room for both, especially with a gimpy Gates being out so much. Tolbert's receptions and goal line work tell me he's not going anywhere and could very well end up a value again this year like he was last year, especially because of the Gates injuries. Tolbert is the 11th overall RB for scoring in my league right now (non ppr). Mathews is 7th. I believe there's room for both to end up in the top 15 playing for SD this year.Mathews could be a straight up stud, but Tolbert will be good value.

Time will tell but I just don't see how Tolbert is a RB2 from this point on. Where do you see Tolbert ranking from this point forward. Not end year total but from this point forward, you would still rank Tolbert top 15?

Yes. That's a nice situation for those RB's right now. Gates down and Sproles gone. They're both very active in the passing game and I believe there is enough for both of them going forward. I can see Mathews being top 5 with Tolbert surviving the top 15 based on his TD totals again.

 

[Apple Jack]

Norv looks ready to give Mathews a true feature role and suggests that he's a "special back"

http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/5603/ryan-mathews

Anyone who thinks Tolbert is a RB2 with a healthy Mathews is delusional.

Again, going forward Mathews is a RB1, Tolbert is a high end handcuff who is a decent bye week/flex option in PPR and you hope you can get lucky with a TD if you have to play him.

Wha? I think you're jumping the gun a bit here. Mathews is definitely the better talent by far but there's room for both, especially with a gimpy Gates being out so much. Tolbert's receptions and goal line work tell me he's not going anywhere and could very well end up a value again this year like he was last year, especially because of the Gates injuries. Tolbert is the 11th overall RB for scoring in my league right now (non ppr). Mathews is 7th. I believe there's room for both to end up in the top 15 playing for SD this year.Mathews could be a straight up stud, but Tolbert will be good value.

Time will tell but I just don't see how Tolbert is a RB2 from this point on. Where do you see Tolbert ranking from this point forward. Not end year total but from this point forward, you would still rank Tolbert top 15?

In PPR? Top 15, probably...top 20, definitely. You're reading tea leaves here. I'm just going to go on what I've seen in prior weeks until something obvious changes on the field/in his production or Norv comes flat out and says "Apple Jack, do not start Mike Tolbert this week." I think it makes sense for Norv to use Tolbert in short yardage/goal line situations and until I see it stop, I'm going to assume he will be getting his points.

 

[Touchdown There]

Norv looks ready to give Mathews a true feature role and suggests that he's a "special back"http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/5603/ryan-mathewsAnyone who thinks Tolbert is a RB2 with a healthy Mathews is delusional. Again, going forward Mathews is a RB1, Tolbert is a high end handcuff who is a decent bye week/flex option in PPR and you hope you can get lucky with a TD if you have to play him.

I will place myself right in the delusional category. Tolbert is an RB2 in PPR.

So where do you see Tolbert ranking going forward?

My best guess is that he will end the year between RB16-RB22.

 

[glong989]

Tolbert has 31 targets to Mathew's 23 currently. He has been targeted more/equal in every game thus far and is only behind Forte and Sproles for all RBs. Mathews has more yac and is obviously more valuable. However, with Tolbert's goal line vulturing I'd say he's going to be fine for a flex play with RB2 upside in PPR going forward.

 

[VaTerp]

Norv looks ready to give Mathews a true feature role and suggests that he's a "special back"http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/5603/ryan-mathewsAnyone who thinks Tolbert is a RB2 with a healthy Mathews is delusional. Again, going forward Mathews is a RB1, Tolbert is a high end handcuff who is a decent bye week/flex option in PPR and you hope you can get lucky with a TD if you have to play him.

I will place myself right in the delusional category. Tolbert is an RB2 in PPR.

So where do you see Tolbert ranking going forward?

My best guess is that he will end the year between RB16-RB22.

If he is around 8th now and ends the year 16-22 then I don't see that as RB2 performance GOING FORWARD. I think a lot of people are going to be chasing pts with Tolbert in that the we've already seen a disproportionate amount of his end year production.

 

[VaTerp]

Norv looks ready to give Mathews a true feature role and suggests that he's a "special back"

http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/5603/ryan-mathews

Anyone who thinks Tolbert is a RB2 with a healthy Mathews is delusional.

Again, going forward Mathews is a RB1, Tolbert is a high end handcuff who is a decent bye week/flex option in PPR and you hope you can get lucky with a TD if you have to play him.

Wha? I think you're jumping the gun a bit here. Mathews is definitely the better talent by far but there's room for both, especially with a gimpy Gates being out so much. Tolbert's receptions and goal line work tell me he's not going anywhere and could very well end up a value again this year like he was last year, especially because of the Gates injuries. Tolbert is the 11th overall RB for scoring in my league right now (non ppr). Mathews is 7th. I believe there's room for both to end up in the top 15 playing for SD this year.Mathews could be a straight up stud, but Tolbert will be good value.

Time will tell but I just don't see how Tolbert is a RB2 from this point on. Where do you see Tolbert ranking from this point forward. Not end year total but from this point forward, you would still rank Tolbert top 15?

In PPR? Top 15, probably...top 20, definitely. You're reading tea leaves here. I'm just going to go on what I've seen in prior weeks until something obvious changes on the field/in his production or Norv comes flat out and says "Apple Jack, do not start Mike Tolbert this week." I think it makes sense for Norv to use Tolbert in short yardage/goal line situations and until I see it stop, I'm going to assume he will be getting his points.

Again, we'll see. But I don't think he's a definite top 20 play going forward. I don't think it's reading tea leaves. It's my educated guess on what's going to happen moving forward having watched all of their games this year and seeing and hearing how the coaching staff is gaining more and more trust in Mathews. That trust is turning into opportunities which Mathews is making the most of.

Someone brought up a good point about Tolbert's use in the passing game with the injuries to Gates and the WRs. But I still don't think he is a solid plug and play RB2 that some believe he is. Like I just said, I think a lot of people will be chasing points from the first quarter of the season thinking that Tolbert will continue to put up consistent numbers. I don't see it.

Very interested in tracking where Tolbert ranks weeks 5 through the rest of the season.

 

[We Tigers]

My problem with Tolbert right now is how little he's doing in the rush game. The receptions will be there, but he's not going to catch 100 passes. Let's see how he does in terms of rush attempts this week. I think calling Tolbert more than a super-handcuff--second probably only to Michael Bush--is a little iffy right now. However, that still makes him RB25-30 going forward, I'll guess. The nature of his TD-heavy production makes him a splash player, though--5 point weeks and 15+ point weeks, with not much in between. I'm using him as a bye week/injury guy, hoping that I get one of those TD games.

What this all means is that he probably is a tough player to trade; no one will pay a lot for him, and no one will want to give him up based on the potential. What's changed in SD since preseason is Mathews, not Tolbert, so a guy so dependent on another player is a hard one to evaluate.

 

[Tau837]

I agree Tolbert will not be a top 20 RB going forward unless Mathews gets hurt. It seems many are looking at Tolbert's fantasy point totals and failing to account for the outlier nature of game 1 this year.

For weeks 2-4 (FBG scoring), Mathews was RB #3 with 60.4 fantasy points, while Tolbert was RB #28 with just 25.6 fantasy points. Tolbert's total for the year looks a lot better because he scored 3 TDs in game 1, something not likely to be repeated.

Tolbert is averaging 2.6 ypc. That is awful, and there is no reason to give him any substantive carries over Mathews (4.7 ypc), other than short yardage. It seems the coaching staff agrees... Tolbert had 12 carries in game 1 but has only 19 total in the 3 games since. Meanwhile, Mathews' carries have increased (12, 12, 21, 16).

And while Tolbert has been solid in the passing game, Mathews has been significantly better (13.4 ypr for Mathews, 8.2 ypr for Tolbert). I'm sure Tolbert will remain involved as a receiver, but I expect the targets to shift more to Mathews as the season progresses.

 

[Apple Jack]

Most at issue are the goal line carries. As long as Tolbert is still getting those, he's going to get points.

 

[scrumptrulescent]

Tolbert is averaging 2.6 ypc. That is awful, and there is no reason to give him any substantive carries over Mathews (4.7 ypc), other than short yardage. It seems the coaching staff agrees... Tolbert had 12 carries in game 1 but has only 19 total in the 3 games since. Meanwhile, Mathews' carries have increased (12, 12, 21, 16).

Wouldn't it stand to reason that his YPC wouldn't be that high since he's running the ball mostly in short yardage situations?I don't think he's a world beater by any means, and Mathews is much better and deserves the ball more, but I think the losses of Sproles and Gates leave a gaping hole in this offense which is being filled by both RB's. I see this being the case for the rest of the year too. There are enough touches for both of these guys to succeed.

 

[FF Ninja]

If he is around 8th now and ends the year 16-22 then I don't see that as RB2 performance GOING FORWARD. I think a lot of people are going to be chasing pts with Tolbert in that the we've already seen a disproportionate amount of his end year production.

This.If Tolbert is 28th in FBG scoring for weeks 2-4, it is hard to imagine him improving going forward. He'll need to vulture at least a TD every other week and maintain a solid presence in the passing game. Games in which he gets less than 5 catches and no GL TD are going to kill anyone who started him. Given Mathews production in both of those facets of the game, it is hard to imagine Tolbert gets 100% of the goal line carries or 50% of the RB receptions, which is probably what he'd need to maintain a top 20 performance from week 5 to week 16.

 

[tommyGunZ]

Like I just said, I think a lot of people will be chasing points from the first quarter of the season thinking that Tolbert will continue to put up consistent numbers. I don't see it.Very interested in tracking where Tolbert ranks weeks 5 through the rest of the season.

Yep. Week 1 will be a complete statistical outlier when the season is over and will artifically skew his position in the overall year end rankings. From a current value standpoint, week 1 should be tossed out as it's not indicative of his role and future projections should be based on a 4-6 carry, 3-5 receptions per week role, with an occasional goal line carry.ETA: hadn't read JWB's post before mine. What he said.

 

[phillybirds]

Coach Norv Turner suggested Wednesday that the Chargers would prefer to give Ryan Mathews 24 to 25 carries in games moving forward.

"He's playing with great confidence," said Turner. "I've been around some great backs ... That's why you want to get them in the (24-25 carries range). He got what 16 carries, 18 carries (last week)? If we can get him that 24, 25 carries it's gonna help him." Turner has been careful to avoid blatantly saying Mike Tolbert's role will diminish, but the writing is on the wall with Mathews averaging 4.72 YPC and 135.5 total yards per game

More touches for Matthews

 

[Touchdown There]

My problem with Tolbert right now is how little he's doing in the rush game. The receptions will be there, but he's not going to catch 100 passes. Let's see how he does in terms of rush attempts this week. I think calling Tolbert more than a super-handcuff--second probably only to Michael Bush--is a little iffy right now. However, that still makes him RB25-30 going forward, I'll guess. The nature of his TD-heavy production makes him a splash player, though--5 point weeks and 15+ point weeks, with not much in between. I'm using him as a bye week/injury guy, hoping that I get one of those TD games. What this all means is that he probably is a tough player to trade; no one will pay a lot for him, and no one will want to give him up based on the potential. What's changed in SD since preseason is Mathews, not Tolbert, so a guy so dependent on another player is a hard one to evaluate.

He is actually on pace to catch 100 passes. Right now he has 25 catches for 206 yards on the year (31 targets). If you play in PPR, his floor is pretty high.