Officially : Ryan Mathews is a 1st Rd BUST

[Sam Odom]

Not at the Ryan Leaf bust level but is a bust

Best thing for him would be if San Diego traded him... Probably become a Star elsewhere

[easyliving]

guy simply can not stay healthy. Just another example of why you should never draft a RB in the first round very rarely lives up to potential.

[Sam Odom]

The kid had a heartbreaking growing-up story and appears to be a good guy... Most everyone wanted him to do well in the NFL

Ship him to a team where he doesnt have to be the 'star' RB... Let him back-up and get fully healthy without the pressure

[rcene]

Rule of thumb. Never be the first to follow a hall of famer in any sport.

[ramones951]

Dude went off for 1250 yards averaging 4.4 YPC... Simply had ankle problems late in the season

Kind of a weird time to call him a bust. Next season will really be telling IMO

[rcene]

Everyone also seems to forget that when the Patriots whipped the Chargers asses. Their hall of fame back was sitting on the sidelines.

[Unwritten Law]

I don't think the pressure is as intense during his first 2 years there, but he does need to stay healthy. This was his first year without missing a game. When healthy, he's an above average RB with lots of potential. The OL needs to get stronger and better and you might consistently see 1K rushing every season.

[bigronbigron84]

Everyone also seems to forget that when the Patriots whipped the Chargers asses. Their hall of fame back was sitting on the sidelines.

21-12 is whipping a$$?

[slacker00]

Dude went off for 1250 yards averaging 4.4 YPC... Simply had ankle problems late in the season

Kind of a weird time to call him a bust. Next season will really be telling IMO

I agree. Far from a bust. For me a bust is a guy out of the league within 3 years.

OP needs to tell us who the Chargers should have taken instead. Looking at the 2010 draft, Matthews is easily the best RB in that draft even though he was drafted #12 behind #9 Spiller. I am a big proponent of taking RBs outside the 1st round because I believe good RBs can be found in the later rounds and RBs are only as good as their O-line anyway. So, personally, looking back, I'd have considered someone like SF OG Mike Iupati in that spot, but hindsight is always 20/20.

[Naz18]

He's not even close to a bust....it's way overused.

[jjgold]

He had a good year Sammy dont know which game you were watching

Sammy he is solid

[Louisvillekid1]

I've been saying it since he was drafted but actually was very impressed with him thisseason

[Sam Odom]

Same shitt with Matthews different year - The guy cant play 6 games in a row without getting hurt

[Big Bear]

Not at the Ryan Leaf bust level but is a bust

Best thing for him would be if San Diego traded him... Probably become a Star elsewhere

its a passing league Sam. Running backs are a dime a dozen.

Offensive line is the position teams should spend money/ draft picks.

[Sam Odom]

Sammy is tired of reading headlines like this:

Chargers miss Ryan Mathews in loss

Chargers 'Miss' him a lot over the last few years Just an excuse

[JMobile]

Chargers should have kept Sproles

[Sam Odom]

Chargers should have kept Sproles

Lord of No Rings still haunts us