San Diego Chargers general manager A.J. Smith getting impatient about Ryan Mathews’ fumble run – NFL News
San Diego Chargers are happy to see their star running back Ryan Mathews playing again, but they are not so happy with the number of fumbles he is giving away.
Chargers general manager A.J. Smith has expressed concerns about Mathews’ continuous run of giving away the ball, particularly near the goal-line. In an interview with U-T San Diego, Smith said:
"I am very concerned, and it has to stop. I believe you can improve in ball security. And no one works any harder in trying to get better than Ryan. However, if it continues he will play less.”
These comments come at a time when Mathews has just returned to the field after missing the first two games of the season due to an injury.
Mathews injured his clavicle during the preseason game against Green Bay Packers and was sidelined for more than a month.
The running back played against Atlanta Falcons in Week 3 game on Sunday. He did not have a very good game, but above all he fumbled again and this time it was near the goal line. Smith further said:
"What happens to fumblers is, first, they play less. Second, if it continues while they're playing on a limited basis, then you don't play for a while and you get to sit and think about it. Third, when you get the call to go back on the field and the fumbling
continues, then you will be somebody else's fumbler."
Smith’s comments might be backed by Chargers head coach Norv Turner, who must be infuriated with long run of fumbles Mathews is going through.
This is not the first time that Mathews has fumbled. The running back has a long history of popping up the ball in his short time in the league.
Mathews has fumbled on 11 occasions during 27 games he has played.
There is no doubt that Mathews is one of the most skilful runners in the league, but he needs to take this into consideration that getting fumbles does not suit his profile.
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