Indianapolis Colts’ Robert Mathis Focused on Proving Doubters Wrong
By Kyle Nishida
At 35 years old, Indianapolis Colts outside linebacker Robert Mathis has heard all the concerns regard his old age, and each one pushes him to get better.
In a conversation with ESPN’s Mike Wells, Mathis illustrated how much of the criticism he has heard about his age and supposedly declining skills.
“I’m not going to sit here and lie to you, I read it all,” Mathis told Wells. “You do kind of want to know what people think of you. That’s my job. I’m in the entertainment business, so I’m somewhat concerned about what people’s opinions are about me.”
Mathis is used to people doubting him. When the Colts drafted him in the fifth round in the 2003 NFL Draft, he heard critics say that he was too small or not athletic enough to pressure the quarterback. Thirteen years later, he has made that criticism a thing of the past.
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Now, Mathis’ abilities are again being questioned because of his age. At 35 years old, can Mathis still be the productive pass rusher the Colts desperately need?
At some point, Mathis’ skills will begin to decline. People view his seven-sack 2015 season as that sign of decline. In reality though, his 2015 season could be viewed as a sign of optimism. Remember, he was slowly coming back from torn Achilles last season, and it took him a while to reclaim his full-time starting spot.
Basically, everyone is questioning if Mathis can improve from his previous season. Rather than ignore the criticism, Mathis welcomes it because it motivates him to prove doubters wrong.
"“The fire still burns and as long as it still burns and you have the opportunity to have a job in the NFL, let it burn. People say you can’t do it, so I want to show I can do it. I have to prove to myself I can still do it and the love is still there. I’m going until the wheels fall off.”"
Surprisingly, there have been players who have achieved at least 10 sacks in a season at age 35 or older. In fact, Green Bay Packers’ pass rusher Julius Peppers, who is 36 years old, had 10.5 sacks last season. The Colts believe Mathis can produce similar results for them in 2016, and he has to if the Colts want to succeed.
Erik Walden and Trent Cole are the only other outside linebackers on the roster with starting experience, and even then, both players were poor pass rushers in 2015. After these two, the Colts only have Earl Okine, who switched to outside linebacker this offseason, and a bunch of unproven rookies.
Next: Indianapolis Colts: Can Robert Mathis Still Produce?
The Colts’ ability to generate a consistent pass rush depends on Mathis. He needs to be their most destructive force on defense like he was in 2013 when he earned 19.5 sacks. Without him, there is no chance the Colts can improve from their abysmal 2015 sack total of 35.
Luckily, Mathis is very motivated to perform at a high level in 2016. He has heard all the questions and concerns about his age and is ready to prove every doubter wrong. Mathis working hard this offseason and preparing for a brilliant 2016 season with the Indianapolis Colts.