Ryan Mathews Will Be A Big Reason For Playoff Success

Dec 22, 2013; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers running back Ryan Mathews (24) carries the ball in the second half against the Oakland Raiders at Qualcomm Stadium. The Chargers won 26-13.Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Ryan Mathews has been a huge reason for the San Diego Chargers late run to the playoffs. The team has trusted in him to carry a huge part of the load this season, especially in the final 4 games of the year. He has taken the team on his back, with injured ankle and all, and has run over defenders and picked up big chunks of yards.
We will need him to continue his resurgence into the playoffs. He has a busted ankle and you could tell he was a bit hobbled when he trotted to the sideline for some breaks on Sunday, but the team will need him to take on the load again. The running game has created easier 3rd down conversions and the running game has helped the team score in the red zone.
His ankle will not likely be 100% for the game on Sunday, but he will be on the field working through the pain. He did it against the Kansas City Chiefs and he has done it all season long. He has really changed his reputation this season.
He still has flown a bit under the radar for the rest of the league. The Bengals have already faced us once this year and know a bit about Ryan, but they better be prepared to get a double dose. We will be looking to pound it on their defense all over again. Having Ryan Mathews pounding the football will take some pressure off of Philip Rivers and will be huge for our playoff effort.