Posts tagged San Diego Chargers

Conversation with National Football Post’s Wes Bunting

0 Comments read Matt Waldman
The National Football Post's Wes Bunting believes Philip Rivers is the most underrated QB in the league, but he also thinks the San Diego Chargers have not maximized its talent. Photo by Janna McLaughin.

Wes Bunting is a little like one of his mentors, former NFL offensive coordinator and current Montreal head coach Marc Trestman. Both got their start in the business early. Bunting earned his job as the National Football Post’s Director of College Scouting straight out of college after impressing Michael Lombardi as an intern. 

In this part of our conversation, Bunting discusses the role of stats and measurements in his evaluation process; a couple of teams that haven’t maximized its talent on the field; and a player who surprised him. I actually asked Wes Continue reading →

Emerging NFL Talents: RB Ryan Mathews

0 Comments read Players, Running Back
Despite an injury-plagued rookie year, Ryan Mathews led the NFL in rushing touchdowns greater than five yards. Photo by Garrett Johnson.

Although my takes on the players in the next series of posts might be useful to fantasy owners, this isn’t a fantasy football article. I’m not projecting stats. I’m writing about talented players whose portfolio of work reveals techniques and behaviors that I think translate well to the NFL game. At the end of the year, you might look at the stats and conclude that the quantity of the production wasn’t eye-catching for each of these emerging talents. However, I believe their work will be impressive enough for opposing teams, fans, and more astute fantasy owners to take future notice.

Unlike Eric Decker and John Beck, Ryan Mathews’ 2011 breakout potential is a no-brainer. If not for a high ankle sprain in Week 2, Chargers head coach Norv Turner foresaw a 250-carry, 40-catch rookie year from the heralded Fresno State prospect. Last year, Mike Tolbert did a fine job splitting the load with Mathews as the lead back. But for those people who believe Tolbert will be a hindrance to Mathews’ production, consider the skills both runners bring to the team. Continue reading →