A lot of Chargers fans are up in arms about Jackie Battle being listed above Ryan Mathews in the Chargers depth charts, but its actually a pretty good idea.

Do I believe any running back should lose his starting job because of one fumble?
No !

Do I believe the Chargers are trying to teach Mathews a lesson in ball security?
No

Do I believe that Jackie Battle is a better running back than Ryan Mathews?
No

So why do I support this decision?

Its quite simple when you think about what Norv is trying to do here.

Ryan Mathews has two major red flag issues that prevent him from being a feature back.
1. He's injury prone.
2. Ball security

Norv Turner says publicly that Ryan Mathews works harder than anyone to get better , but some times the inevitable happens.

I can't blame Mathews for some of the fumbles, and certainly not the injuries, but we all know it's got to get better.

Norv has an ace up his sleeve in the form of Le'Ron McClain and Jackie Battle, and he appears to be playing it quite well.
Meaning- Get Power blocking formations with McClain and power running with Jackie Battle for a few series, before bringing Mathews in.

This does two things. It preserves Mathews. And it softens up the D-Line.
Will this prevent Mathews from fumbling, and injury? I don't know , but it can't hurt his chances.

Basically if Jackie Battle keeps playing well, Ryan Mathews stays fresh . He won't have to play early against a fast fresh defense.
And a fresh Mathews against a tired D-line will bring many smiles to Bolts fans while keeping Mathews healthy, and hopefully fumble free.

If this in fact is Norv's plan, the Chargers will have a new element from years past. Running out the clock, and not living or dying through the air in shoot outs at the end.

In the end it doesn't really matter who's number one on the depth chart. It looks like the Chargers finally have a good 1-2 punch at RB, and a stout defense. Once Rivers hits his groove with Eddie Royal and Robert Meachem , this team will be as balanced as ever. With Vincent Brown scheduled to come back November 1, the sky's the limit.

Chargers 38
Saints 31 in the Dome.

Go Bolts