Ryan Mathews set for big return against Raiders
Dec 8, 2013; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers running back Ryan Mathews (24) scores a touchdown past New York Giants middle linebacker Jon Beason (52) during second half action at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
After losing three straight, the Chargers endured a much-needed BYE week in week 10. In that time the Chargers were able to prepare for their next opponent; the Oakland Raiders. In that time, the Chargers were able to get back two things: their sanity and their starting RB Ryan Mathews.
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After sustaining a knee injury in week two, starting RB Ryan Mathews is back for week 11 against the Raiders. This season the Raiders have allowed 130.9 rushing yards (ranks sixth-worst) and nine touchdowns to opposing running backs per game. This season, the Raiders have allowed opposing teams to rush for over 100 yards seven times, their highest came against Houston when Arian Foster and company went for 189 yards and a touchdown on 45 carries.
This Sunday, I believe that Mathews is going to be the difference against the Raiders. After a sprained MCL injury against the Seahawks, he will be a little bit stiff and cautious. However, I think once he gets started, there’s no stopping the former first-round pick. Before his injury, Mathews rushed for 40 yards against the Cardinals, adding two receptions for 20 yards with a touchdown on the ground. Next game he added 31 yards on the ground with 26 yards in the air before getting injured. While Mathews yards per carry average was 3.8 and 2.8 respectively, he was playing the third and fourth ranked rush defenses in the league.
After Mathews went down, rookie Branden Oliver took over and played well considering most of the Chargers running back corps was out.
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