San Diego Chargers: Top 10 Running Backs of All-Time

Ryan Mathews, 2010-Present

While Mathews is most likely going to another team next season, he still has had a respectable career with the Bolts that saw a trip to the Pro Bowl in 2011. During his five seasons which have been riddled by injuries, he rushed for 4,061 yards and 23 touchdowns on 923 carries for a 4.4 yards per carry average.

His best season by far would have to be 2013 when he rushed for 1,255 yards and six touchdowns on 285 carries (4.4 yards per carry average). And even though he isn’t Danny Woodhead, Mathews can still catch passes out of the backfield with the best of them. Over the years, Mathews caught 146 passes for 1,110 yards and a touchdown.

For the most part, Philip Rivers and LT are synonymous with each other. At the same time though, Ryan Mathews is synonymous with Philip Rivers, too. Contrary to many people’s opinions, Mathews has actually been an all right back and deserves recognition as one of the best backs not just because of his rankings on the all-time yardage list, but because of his efficiency.

When called upon, Mathews sure does deliver. In 58.3% of his games played, Mathews has averaged over 4.0 yards per carry. 19 of Mathews’ 60 games during his career have seen him go for over 5.0 yards per carry. When you think about that, those are some great numbers.

In terms of the best Chargers backs of all-time, Mathews ranks fourth in yards, fifth in carries, sixth in touchdowns, third in yards per game (65.5), and has a better career yards per carry average than LT. Injuries aside, Mathews is one of the greats and should be treated as such.

Next: Number 5: The Midnight Muncie