Okay…I’m going to say something blasphemous that will sound like really sour grapes…but I’m going to say it.
While I don’t think he’s a better back…I like Ryan Mathews over Shady. I just do. For as much incredible talent, ability that Shady has and the crazy runs he could get…the dude drove me nuts. So many negative yard plays and he would never really fight between the tackles.
Mathews rarely goes for huge gains unless there’s a massive hole, but (when healthy) he always feels reliable to get that clutch 5-6 yards. He proved it last year compared to DeTrashco. Bad formation and plays, still grinds out 100 yards against a tough defense. He can slip through tight holes and get you those yards. I just prefer reliability over explosion when it comes to RB.