Should the Chargers Limit Ryan Mathews Carries?

Sep 22, 2012; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers running back Ryan Mathews (24) is defended by Atlanta Falcons defensive back Dominique Franks (29) on the third quarter run at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-US PRESSWIRE

San Diego Chargers RB Ryan Mathews is known for a couple of things: Injuries and fumbles. So far his 2012 season has far form changed that perception.

In his first carry in the preseason, Ryan Mathews was lost for 6 weeks after breaking his clavicle. We didn’t see him back on the field until last Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons.

In his first game back, Ryan put the ball on the ground at the goal line. That fumble flipped all the momentum in the game and we didn’t score a touchdown the whole day.

Now, in the recent presser with Coach Norv Turner, Turner hinted at the possibility of limiting Ryan to try and prevent situations where he could lose the football. When does Ryan lose the football though? All the time!

In red zone situations last year, the ball was going to Mike Tolbert. He didn’t exactly have the cobra clutch on that football either.

Are we going to give the ball to Jackie Battle and Curtis Brinkley more in the red zone?

When Battle gets the ball in that area, we know he is going to try and run people over up the middle. The oppposing defense knows the same. Will our offensive line be able to overpower the opposing teams? Have you seen our offensive line lately?

Curtis Brinkley is a shifty back, but he isn’t going to break tackles. How many of us still complain that we were trying to hand the ball off to Darren Sproles on a short yardage situation only to get stuffed by Ray Lewis?

Our best back is Ryan Mathews. He has worked hard this offseason in order to correct some of his issues and needs to be given more than one game to prove that he can produce. Our special teams last season gave up a touchdown return on the first kickoff, but then settled down after that and looked good after that.

Don’t let his first game of the season change the original plans. He fumbles again this weekend, then we can talk, but don’t stop feeding him.

When Ryan has the ball, he is able to gain yards where nobody else on our roster could. He is the combination of Brinkley and Battle that needs to get the football and needs the confidence of his teammates and coach. Give him the football!