Ryan Mathews has called himself an "average back" because of his underwhelming numbers over the first three years of his career. But the Chargers rusher told CBSSports.com Senior NFL Columnist Clark Judge that year four will be different.
Judge believes 2013 is a make-or-break season for Mathews.
Mathews has shed around 10 pounds because he felt too bulky and has changed his outlook on the game, aiming to just enjoy himself and not put any expectations on his shoulders.
"I just think I put too much pressure on myself where I came in and tried to be what I wasn't," he said. "There was a great guy who led the way for me, LaDainian Tomlinson, and I thought I had to be him and do what he was doing. Instead, I got away from who I am. I got away from having fun and put too much pressure on myself. So now I just want to go back to the basics, run the ball and have fun."
Mathews believes he can be a Top-5 back in the league if he can prove to be consistent.