Seattle Seahawks

Chris Matthews hopes Super Bowl success continues into regular season

Published Jun. 22, 2015 10:49 a.m. ET

foxsports

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Chris Matthews had the game of his life in Super Bowl XLIX. The unheard of wide receiver caught four passes for 109 yards and a touchdown. He now hopes his Super Bowl success will translate over into the regular season.

“My expectation is to compete and play as hard as I can and give a great effort for the team and help us win,” Matthews said, via ESPN.com on 710 ESPN Seattle radio. “My expectation is for us to win. Our defense is No. 1 is the league. I believe wholeheartedly that the offense can be No. 1 in the NFL. We just have to work really hard. We have all the key parts.”

Matthews made his first NFL catch in the Super Bowl on a 44-yard pass play from Russell Wilson. Matthews was as surprised as anybody the ball went to him, but made the most of his opportunity.

“It surprised me because the route I ran was a decoy route for the other guys underneath,’’ Matthews said. “I look up, and go, ‘The ball’s really coming at me.’ I was like, ‘OK, let me just put my hands up for it.’ ”

Matthews is bringing a lot of confidence into this season thanks to his Super Bowl performance. Matthews said he felt like he gained the trust of head coach Pete Carroll on his touchdown grab.

“I thank Pete every time I look at it,” Matthews said of his TD catch. “He threw me in there. We called a timeout and Pete said, ‘I want Chris in the game on this side.’ I looked at him like, “I really appreciate this. I’m glad you understand now.’ ’

Last year was a difficult season for Matthews, who was on the practice squad until December. It took a lot of patience and hard work for him to finally get his opportunity.

“Last year was a lot of ups and downs for me,’’ Matthews said. “I was just trying to figure out what was best for me. How can I fit in? The biggest thing was when I understood practice means a lot here. You practice hard, you play hard, is what a lot of people say here. I picked that up and embraced it.”

Matthews is expecting an expanded role this season and is hoping the Super Bowl success is just the beginning of his journey in the NFL.

“Everybody has their own story,” Matthews said. “Some get to tell it earlier than others. I think at one point in time, we can all be great.”

(h/t ESPN)