He’s arguably the best outside linebacker in football. He’s played in four Pro Bowls, posted double-digit sack totals three times, and completely changes how the Packers play defense. But Clay Matthews still has one gigantic hurdle to overcome.

JSOnline  wrote:

Hawk and Matthews... two moves of TT's that deserve scrutiny. Hawk has been nothing close to what a 5th overall pick should give to you. Your MLB or now one of your ILB's SHOULD lead your team in tackles. Who else?

Hawk should've never been given the contract he was given after our SB victory. I'm hoping this is his last season with us... too much dead money to cut and they surely wouldn't after he finally started playing last year, finally. No turnover plays in 2.5 seasons??? That is almost impossible to be that unproductive in that area.

Matthews is no doubt a force. He is also an injury riddled one. If we hadn't paid him someone surely would've but the question is was it wise to dump that kind of money into a guy who is that injury prone? Yeah, it'll be nice having him for a few games next season. Always with hammy issues and now a thumb that could end his career. Just a shame. We have so little star power (only Rodgers and Matthews) and half of it is unlikely to play a full season year after year.

It'd be nice to get a Woodson type impact player in FA who wasn't close to the end so we could enjoy him for several seasons because we've had such a tough time drafting defensive talent.

I wonder how many games we'll get out of Clay this season before some injury happens and he's either out for the season or for several games that are important to us.

Originally Posted by: uffda udfa 

I would argue that Hawk is exactly what I want in a #5 pick. He has been someone you can pencil in as a starter every week, every year. Flashy? No. Maybe not even significantly above average. But consistent. He has missed 2 games in 8 years. Isn't that what you need from a #1?

Matthews is now averaging 14 games/ yr. and the trend is not getting better. He missed way more games last year than Hawk has in his entire career.

I believe that Matthew's injuries are one reason we now have Peppers. Ted Thompson realized he needed another impact player to passrush in all the games Clay misses. So how much money is invested in the passrusher position now?

Originally Posted by: QCHuskerFan 

That is what you want from a 5th overall pick? Mediocrity? You get so few chances to draft that high... one time in several decades in the top 5 and that is the guy we got? I truly don't understand what I'm reading here from some of you. Hawk is an absolute JOKE as a 5th overall. Had he been a 4th rounder then I'd be fine with it. That is the kind of player he's been...a 4th round type. The fact you have to talk about injuries to validate him shows how little else there is to say about him. Every MLB or ILB tackle totals are high. They should be...that is the function of the middle of your D as a LB...making tackles. If you make them 5 yards down the field consistently that ain't good but you can run and scream that he's made a bunch of them. The guy went 2.5 SEASONS without a splash play...that is almost impossible with luck and all on your side to make at least one.

AJ Hawk has been nothing short of a major disappointment and has a contract that is insane for what he brings to this team.

Originally Posted by: uffda udfa 

I would argue that Hawk is exactly what I want in a #5 pick. He has been someone you can pencil in as a starter every week, every year. Flashy? No. Maybe not even significantly above average. But consistent. He has missed 2 games in 8 years. Isn't that what you need from a #1?

Matthews is now averaging 14 games/ yr. and the trend is not getting better. He missed way more games last year than Hawk has in his entire career.

I believe that Matthew's injuries are one reason we now have Peppers. Ted Thompson realized he needed another impact player to passrush in all the games Clay misses. So how much money is invested in the passrusher position now?

Originally Posted by: QCHuskerFan 

Say what you want about Matthews and his injuries, but he came back early last year with a broken thumb, cut the last off before he should have and THAT is why he re broke the thumb. I'll take that guy every time.

The reason we have Peppers is because he was willing to accept Ted's offer, plain and simple. Ted's not breaking the bank. He's doing what he always does. Peppers was merely willing to go along with it.

Originally Posted by: nerdmann 

Peppers came for a shot at the title. He knows better than anybody what we have at quarterback.

Originally Posted by: DakotaT 

That is what you want from a 5th overall pick? Mediocrity? You get so few chances to draft that high... one time in several decades in the top 5 and that is the guy we got? I truly don't understand what I'm reading here from some of you. Hawk is an absolute JOKE as a 5th overall. Had he been a 4th rounder then I'd be fine with it. That is the kind of player he's been...a 4th round type. The fact you have to talk about injuries to validate him shows how little else there is to say about him. Every MLB or ILB tackle totals are high. They should be...that is the function of the middle of your D as a LB...making tackles. If you make them 5 yards down the field consistently that ain't good but you can run and scream that he's made a bunch of them. The guy went 2.5 SEASONS without a splash play...that is almost impossible with luck and all on your side to make at least one.

AJ Hawk has been nothing short of a major disappointment and has a contract that is insane for what he brings to this team.

Originally Posted by: uffda udfa