Seahawks vs. Chargers: 4 Players to Watch on San Diego’s Team

Sep 8, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; San Diego Chargers running back Ryan Mathews (24) celebrates with running back Donald Brown (34) after scoring a 20 yard touchdown during the second half against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Ryan Mathews

The Seahawks have improved their run defense immensely since the offseason and were able to hold Green Bay’s Eddie Lacy to just 37 rushing yards in the season opener.

They have to contain Mathews as well in order to force Philip Rivers to throw the ball and allow the Seahawks incredible secondary to do their thing defensively.

Mathews wasn’t dominant against the Cardinals in Week 1, but he did rack up 40 yards and a touchdown. He is explosive and could really open up the Chargers playbook if he gets going against the defense and Seattle can’t afford to let that happen.