Philadelphia Eagles Running Game Is Offended

Nov 23, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers running back

(24) is tackled by St. Louis Rams outside linebacker

(52) as tackle

(76) tries to assist Matthews during the fourth quarter at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Lightning Strikes Eagles Backfield

So the Philadelphia Eagles contacted the next player on the list and found a warm reception from former San Diego Charger running back Ryan Matthews. In fact, the Eagles had planned to inquire before the news of Gore’s backing out of the deal became public.

Matthews was a running back whose health issues found him out of favor with the San Diego Chargers front office.  But when healthy, he pleased everyone.  He was the Chargers feature back and he could do virtually anything asked of him: run, catch a pass, and block.   And perhaps it is that “swiss army knife” utility that placed him in so many situations that he was often injured.

In 2011, arguably his best year, he carried the ball 222 times for 1,091 yards and six touchdowns, while catching 50 of 59 passes thrown his way for another 455 yards.   He played in 14 games that year.  In 2014, arguably his worst year, he carried the ball 74 times for 330 yards and three touchdowns, while catching nine of ten passes thrown his way for 69 yards.

Once drafted twelfth overall in the 2010 NFL draft out of Fresno State, his career with the Chargers was very chaotic.  His first injury came in the second game of his career, and the injuries kept coming.  He’s had knee, ankle, hand, leg injuries,  and broken each collarbone.   While fighting to stay on the field, it was Mathews running game that carried the Bolts to the 2013 playoffs, as he caught fire and the team won the final four games to eek into post-season.

But when he was healthy, he was the rushing game.   He might get a play or two off, but his versatility kept him on the field.