Project Matthews

[Steve]

Hes got the talent no question...i just question his work ethic. I think the reason LT was so durable was a direct result of his work ethic. I also think hes other focused.

I don't think it is that he has no work ethic. Norv was told a story last year to McClain, that when he came in to meet with the team as a FA before signing, that he pointed out to the practice feild and there was Mathews running sprints on his own. And the year he got nabbed for failing his intervals, he and Tutu were both seen running on the beaches to build up their leg muscles. I think he works plenty hard at things.

To me the issue is probably more of an issue of working and pushing yourself and being smart about it. I know a lot of people who over train or work doing stuff that they like to do, rather then doing their workouts the way they are designed. A guy who was a hurdler on my college track team used to do the workouts in the order he wanted. He lifted and then did his technique work when his workout called for it being the other way round. His technique got worse and worse, followed by his times getting worse and worse, so he would push himself harder and harder. But he was his own worst enemy. A lot of other people would just plain overtrain. I suspect Mathews, who doesn't strike anyone as being a rocket scientist anyway, could easily be the same sort of guy. Working hard, and doing it badly.

LT worked really hard, but despite the fact that he didn't always come off as being eloquent, he was a really smart guy. I got the impression LT had a reason for doing everything he did, and asking a lot of the right kind of questions to the right kind of people. Plus, LT was mentally very tough, which seems to be a problem with Mathews.

[Mister Hoarse]

So, what does Matthews need to do in your mind to earn a small extention next offseason?
For me its,

A. Stay healthy for 16 regular season games.
B. 1000+ Rushing yards 300+ recieving yards. 6+TD's 4+ YPC 4 or less fumbles in 16 games.
C. Not lose carries to any other RB on 1st and second down.
D. Grow up a little bit!

A thru D minimum.
Plus E for mental toughness

[Stinky Wizzleteats+]

To me it has seemed that as the oppertunity arizes in a game forr Mathews to make a few extra yards here or there his technique goes by the way side. Getting roughed up in the backfield before getting into space then once he clears into space he is losing technick before the second and third contact were the fumble occurs. After his first three years I'm left to wonder if he is durrable enough running between the tackles. One thing I hate about his running. When he breaks through the dline and only has 2 or 3 players to beat in space, he seems to run to the angle that helps the defence. Instead of knowing the LBr will be to his left and run more away from that space he runs to it helping the ILB tackle him.

[pumpkinhead80]

there's a difference between lt(uneducated) and mathews(plum dumb)

[Mister Hoarse]

We are REALLY spoiled by LT

[pumpkinhead80]

At a certain point we will see a team win it all buy running the ball. The less teams defend against it the more suseptable defences will become to the run.

good point. when a scheme starts to succeed it's duplicated, and nothing will open up running the ball like the majority of defenses built/schemed/geared to stop the passing attacks of 29 of the other teams.

[Fleet]

I don't think it is that he has no work ethic. Norv was told a story last year to McClain, that when he came in to meet with the team as a FA before signing, that he pointed out to the practice feild and there was Mathews running sprints on his own. And the year he got nabbed for failing his intervals, he and Tutu were both seen running on the beaches to build up their leg muscles. I think he works plenty hard at things.

To me the issue is probably more of an issue of working and pushing yourself and being smart about it. I know a lot of people who over train or work doing stuff that they like to do, rather then doing their workouts the way they are designed. A guy who was a hurdler on my college track team used to do the workouts in the order he wanted. He lifted and then did his technique work when his workout called for it being the other way round. His technique got worse and worse, followed by his times getting worse and worse, so he would push himself harder and harder. But he was his own worst enemy. A lot of other people would just plain overtrain. I suspect Mathews, who doesn't strike anyone as being a rocket scientist anyway, could easily be the same sort of guy. Working hard, and doing it badly.

LT worked really hard, but despite the fact that he didn't always come off as being eloquent, he was a really smart guy. I got the impression LT had a reason for doing everything he did, and asking a lot of the right kind of questions to the right kind of people. Plus, LT was mentally very tough, which seems to be a problem with Mathews.

But your sort of explaining work ethic the way i see it. I dont just mean running sprints. Its more an off the field issue. I mentioned the other day that if Mathews wanted to be like his idol he would do what his idol did. LT did weay more than just run sprints. He sharpened his mind. He spent more time studying film. He took care of his body with massages etc. He didnt let outside influence get to him. He didnt get distracted. Mathews needs to mature and its all part of working to get better. On and off the field.

[KNSD]

Prediction: Broken something in preseason, not serious enough for IR, but too serious for him to see significant playing time.

[BlazingBolt]

Sure the pro bowl is a joke, but it was a decent year all in all and he did play in the pro bowl. 6th best RB in the AFC is still decent and he had some really good games that year.

[Fleet]

It would help us tremendously if he could really take over the lead role. Not only numbers but as a leader.

[oneinchpunch]

3 years with only 4 100yard rushing games. That's not a good percentage

[BlazingBolt]

But how many with 100 yards from scrimmage?