I'd rather the Packers be cautious with Mathews now so that he's hopefully healthy for the long haul. Same goes for Peppers, Rodgers, Sitton, Jordy, or any of our big time players who at this point in their career have a good understanding of what they need to do to be ready.

I also don't think the conspiracy theory about Mathews trying to force his way out or make a statement about his partial use at inside linebacker holds any water. His comments to me have been typical of any top level athlete who's been resistant to initial change, but besides that have been very positive and accepting towards the idea. He was/is one of the best pass rushers in the game and to go to ILB can be seen a demotion or at the vest least scary to someone who's secured so much success elsewhere. If I recall Aaron Kampman was just as hesitant/resentful of the switch to OLB from DE for many of the same reasons.

Originally Posted by: isocleas2 

Using Kampman for your argument is curious...he was so turned off about not getting to play DE he took a contract from the freaking Jags to play the position he wanted to. Guy left the Packers to play for the Jaguars. So, I wouldn't say it's out of the realm, or conspiratorial, to think some of the things Clay might be thinking. A beloved guy like Kampman left when he didn't get to play where he wanted to.

Originally Posted by: uffda udfa 

(On Clay Matthews) Remember going out to USC pro day and Clay, I remember I was at the start of the 40 and Clay ran the first one and he starts complaining to one of the trainers nd we got to talking and he said his hamstring felt a little tight. I told him, you don't want to pull it. Just let eveyrone know what's going on. Outside of that, with his history and my history, I didn't know his dad, but we played against each other at certain times. I might have had a better feeling about him knowing his dad.