Let's remember, Matthews is young. The biggest hurdles for young receivers are learning the hot reads and running precisely timed and executed routes. This offense demands it. Most WR's take 3 years to acclimate to the NFL. Our offense is particularly complex for WR's, so it takes a lot of hard work.
Sherman knows this. He wants to keep Rishard Matthews working his hardest to break into the starting lineup, not content that he has arrived as a sub behind Gibson. Now that Rishard is getting full reps with the first team, it is a great opportunity for him to make that quantum leap. Sherman just wants to keep him motivated and hungry.
I've been a Rishard Matthews fan since we drafted him and I was hoping we would. This guy has the potential (dangerous word I know) to become an X receiver in the Greg Jennings mold. Polian said his pro day workout was among the best he saw that year. The kid may be a gem in the rough. But, he needs to keep working hard to make that leap before he merits consideration to become a starter next year. This preseason I predicted that Matthews would eventually start this year. But, if Gibson were healthy, I think he starts over Matthews. Now is Matthews' chance to prove himself. Now is his best time to improve.
I hope he does.