Packers' Clay Matthews moves to inside linebacker

MintBaconDrivel
Senior Member Topic Starter

10 years ago

This was only a success because of Aaron Rodgers.

Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy was so excited about his bye-week adjustment on defense that he had to give everyone a hint during the week of preparation for the Chicago Bears.

McCarthy said there would be a change that people would notice, but he never said it would involve his best player on defense playing a completely different position.

But there it was at the start of the Packers' home matchup with the Bears on national television Sunday night: Clay Matthews was at inside linebacker.

Clearly a concession to the 32nd place the Packers ranked in run defense coming into the game and the reality that there was no one else on the roster who could make a difference at inside linebacker, McCarthy and defensive coordinator Dom Capers came up with the idea of moving Matthews.

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wpr
Preferred Member

10 years ago

While CM3 didn't play every down inside it was a good move. Clay seemed to be reinvigorated as well as the rest of the D.

Mucky Tundra
Honored Member

10 years ago

On 670 the Score they just described this as move that Belicheck would make. I'm not sure what to make of this: nice to be compared to Belicheck but coming from Bears sports radio? 🤔

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yooperfan
Veteran Member

10 years ago

I didn't get to see the game but I listened to McCarthy's post game interview on the radio and he was absolutely gushing over the defensive adjustment and Clay Matthews stellar play.
Not having seen the game I was in the dark as to what he was talking about.
Now I know.
Nice piece of work Mike and co.

Zero2Cool
Elite Member

10 years ago

Aaron Rodgers made the Bears one dimensional and it didn't matter much who played where on the Packers defense. The Jay Cutler house of horrors thing came to a top. They could have played Sean Richardson at ILB and he'd be the one being gushed over.

I'm not saying Clay Matthews III can't be a good ILB, I'm saying his performance was more about being able to tee off a team and quarterback that were playing catch up. Every defense wants that because they can pin their ears back and attack.

PackFanWithTwins
Veteran Member

10 years ago

This really comes down to the defense being better with Neal/Perry on the field, rather than Jones/Lattimore/whoever else.

I suggested this move during the offseason as the way to have the best 11 on the field. I looks to put him in position where he can use his motor to attack plays and is a great complement to Hawk more cautious approach.

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hardrocker950
Member

10 years ago

Originally Posted by: Zero2Cool

This is true - when you take control of a game like we saw last night, your defense is in a good position to be aggressive. Clay played quite well in his new role, he looked fast and (very) aggressive as we typically expect him to be. I think this was a good coaching decision - you put your best guys in the best situation to make plays and I feel they did that. The ILB position has been mediocre to bad for a while now, so there was no reason to NOT make a change.

This is the type of decision making that you want to see from your coaches. If something isn't working, make a change.

texaspackerbacker
Veteran Member

10 years ago

Of course, you KNOW where McCarthy (or more precisely, CAPERS) got the idea for this move ......... PACKERSHOME!

An October 13 thread started by MBD and strongly embraced by me and several other posters called for this highly intelligent move. As I recall, only one poster opposed it - somebody who said Clay wasn't strong enough to play ILB and that ILB was a more "cerebral" position - apparently hinting that Clay wasn't smart enough. Well, he sure look plenty strong last night, in addition to very fast, and if his brain wasn't good enough, it sure didn't keep him from doing the job sideline to sideline.

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hardrocker950
Member

10 years ago

Well, he sure look plenty strong last night, in addition to very fast, and if his brain wasn't good enough, it sure didn't keep him from doing the job sideline to sideline.

Originally Posted by: texaspackerbacker

Well said Texas.

I really don't know where the lack of intelligence argument was born, but I really don't think he is lacking in the brains department - seems to be a stereotype that pass rushers often get labeled with. It was fun and refreshing to see someone play inside that can get to the edges and make plays.

Zero2Cool
Elite Member

10 years ago

#10

Originally Posted by: texaspackerbacker

It was quite evident that Clay Matthews III isn't strong enough. He was manhandled by the Guards when they got their hands on him. As for being smart enough, I don't remember anyone saying that. As long as he can squeeze by the Guards without them touching him, he's going to continue being a menace. I like him in coverage more than any other LB the Packers have tried on the inside.

And my goodness does A.J. Hawk look thin as heck. I think Tim Masthay has more bulk than he does.

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