Chargers running back Ryan Mathews wants to be fresh and healthy come the end of the season and the playoffs this year, reports ESPN.
Mathews suffered a sprained ankle against Oakland toward the end of the 2013 season and was ineffective in the playoffs, rushing for a total of 78 yards in two contests against Cincinnati and Denver. Although he played a full 16-game season for the first time in his four-year NFL career, Mathews is focused on being on the field and at his best when the games matter most.
"That’s my expectation this season," Mathews said. "I've got to do more and do better, so I can be there with my guys to be able to help them out as much as I can when we get there again."
This offseason, Mathews did running and agility drills at the beach to strengthen the smaller muscles in his legs and maintain his 220-pound frame.
"I think Ryan is going to have a great year, probably better than last year," Chargers offensive tackle D.J. Fluker said. "He looks faster."