Chargers RB Ryan Mathews Says He Can Be a Top-Five Back

December 30, 2012; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers running back Ryan Mathews (24) reacts on the bench during the fourth quarter against the Oakland Raiders at Qualcomm Stadium. The Chargers won 24-21. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

San Diego Chargers running back Ryan Mathews has put together a wildly inconsistent first few years in the NFL as he’s battled both spotty production and a variety of injuries.

Mathews appeared in just 12 games last year thanks to a broken collarbone, and failed to crack the 1,000-yard mark. In three seasons he has yet to play in a full 16 games.

Once again Mathews is on the comeback trail, and this time he says he can be in the elite group of running backs the league has to offer according to Clark Judge of CBS:

"“I don’t want to think about the past any more,” he said. “I want to talk about the future. With the new coaching staff and everybody they brought in it gives me a chance to start my career again.”“I think I can be a top-five back,” he said, “and be up with the best of them. I just have to be consistent. That’s the main thing, to be consistent with my play.”"

The Spin: Hey, we’re all for optimisim this time of year. until Mathews can actually play in a full season we have doubts as to his ability to join the Adrian Peterson’s of the world.

Still, Mathews has shown flashes of great talent. Now it’s a matter of keeping his body in one piece and stringing together a nice, consistent stream of production.

Follow me on Twitter for more NFL news and analysis @Chris_Roling