As one of Mathews' biggest detractors over the years....

[QSmokey]

...I think it's only fair that I give him major props for being the 7th-leading rusher in the NFL, with only 2 fumbles in over 300 touches (285 carries, 26 receptions). Very impressed.

Also of note:

- Keenan Allen, 71 receptions, 1046 yards, tops for all rookies WRs (but will probably earn him only the 2nd spot, behind Lacy, for OROY )
- Danny Woodhead, 76 receptions, which was tops in the AFC for a running back (2nd in the entire League, 1 behind Pierre Thomas)
- Antonio Gates, 77 receptions (which was 4th best in his career)
- Philip Rivers: 1st in League in completion percentage; 4th in QB rating; 5th in yards passing; 5th in # of completions; 5th in yards/attempt; 4th in TDs; 6th in yards passing/game

[thelightningwill]

Agree on Mathews. I wanted him fired. Not anymore.

[KYBoltsFan]

The kid has become the man

[Astro Zombie]

I could never get totally on board with the hate for the kid because he had so many moments of brilliance in between fumbles and injuries (he was playing out of his mind that Saints game, then Norv decided to forget about him), but even I was over it by the end of last season too and wouldn't miss him if he was cut. He's definitely stepped it up and I think credit goes to McCoy for making him push through where Norv would just call him a retard and bench him the rest of the game after a single mistake.

[Coachmarkos]

He has ran the ball very hard this year.

Wish he had just a bit more breakaway speed...rarely can he break the big one, but he's really played well.

[Antonio's Gates]

he's become a true workhorse, very similar to a player he reminded me of at times; ricky williams. no jukes, just straight power and speed.

[richpjr]

The kid has become the man

Yep. He has stepped up, even when beat up. He (finally) has a coach that believes in him and it is paying off big time.

[TABF]

When 24 ran off the field and into the locker room in the second half with a bit of a gimp to him, I got worried. Probably wouldn't have cared (as much) 5 weeks ago. I didn't see him come back out of the locker room but it was quick as within 5 minutes he was back in the game.

-Point being, RM24 matters now and that is a damn good thing.

[BoltBacker]

Always had his back, thought Norv ruined his confidence. He deserved some blame but a good coach gets the talent out of the player, Norv failed miserably.

But I was wrong on Gated, he still has some gas i the tank and congrats on a good year. Still think it is a good time for a trade in the off-season if there are takers. Green has the talent and should be ready to step up next year. If no GOOD offer are there, Gates has a couple years left in him.

[SDFan]

He has ran the ball very hard this year.

Wish he had just a bit more breakaway speed...rarely can he break the big one, but he's really played well.

he's had longer and longer runs as the year progressed and the coaches gave him more touches. More Cowbell!

[captaind]

Green is one of the worst blocking TE's I've ever seen.

[6025]

No way I would trade Gates, can we please let him retire a Bolt when he decides to hang them up?