interesting article...clay: quit or benched?

[gbgary]

here... (http://www.totalpackers.com/2015/01/25/clay-matthews-quit-benched/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter)

[Joemailman]

Pinny Kahana @PinnyKahana11
Follow
@RobDemovsky #packersmail why was Matthews off the field at the end of the 4th Q??????????????????!!!!!!!!!?????????
10:50 AM - 23 Jan 2015

Demovsky: That remains the biggest mystery from Sunday's game. Clay Matthews was not on the field for either of the Seattle Seahawks' final two drives of regulation. I remember looking across the field from the press box during the last drive and in my binoculars, I could see Matthews trying to get his legs loose. However, there was no injury announcement made, either in the press box or by the team after the game, and Matthews returned to play the only possession of overtime. After the game, Matthews was asked if his leg was bothering him, and he told reporters: "Yeah, it was a medley of things just catching up to me. Fortunately, I worked with the trainers a little bit during that last drive and was able to get back out there for overtime." Asked about it after the game, coach Mike McCarthy had no explanation. Also, Matthews did not talk to reporters Monday, when the players cleaned out their lockers. It will be asked during McCarthy's season-ending press conference, which could take place this week.

[Joemailman]

It would be nice to get an explanation. The most likely answer in my opinion would be that he was cramping up. That would explain why there was no obvious injury, and why he was able to come back in overtime. The funeral for Mike McCarthy's brother is Monday. MM I believe still has exit interviews to do with coaches, so I would guess his next PC might be on Thursday.

[Rutnstrut]

I have heard some people say that Clay said he was just spent, physically, emotionally, and mentally. I am not really a Clay fan, but I can understand this. He was playing hard and fired up, sometimes people just shutdown.

[Bretsky]

the silence is concerning

[woodbuck27]

the silence is concerning

http://www.totalpackers.com/2015/01/21/mums-word-clay-matthews/

Mum’s the Word on Clay Matthews

" At some point soon we should find out if any of the local media hacks are even worth the tiniest shit. McCarthy’s season-ending news conference, which was supposed to be held on Wednesday, is being rescheduled. .......

It’s almost as if the Packers are hiding something — either protecting their coaches or protecting Matthews from scorn.

Not to worry though. You can bet your ass we’ve still got one heaping helping of scorn left for someone when we get to the bottom of this. " Fr. Article


Comment woodbuck27:

Is the author of this article from total Packers also ...Shawn Neuser?

Why was CM III on the sidelines for those two criticle series and such a long rest at the end of the game?

My guess. The Packers coaching staff were protecting him for the Super Bowl game. The only thing missing from the happy gang mood and sideline celebration and Matthews was a part of that was this:

https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRjlIj5pyAw-SmP7BN3ewlN3urZ61yyXT-iivb2z5vqBOz5XXtd

Mike McCarthy has a shit storm of damage control to conjure up for likely sometime late this week or after the Super Bowl when the mood of Packer Nation will in all likelihood be really hot.

[Joemailman]

I have heard some people say that Clay said he was just spent, physically, emotionally, and mentally. I am not really a Clay fan, but I can understand this. He was playing hard and fired up, sometimes people just shutdown.

He said that in response to a question about how he felt after losing the game.

[pbmax]

He said that in response to a question about how he felt after losing the game.

Was the video on the Packer website?

[woodbuck27]

It will be interesting to observe Clay Mathews in the Pro Bowl Game this evening.

He was sitting at a table with Jordy Nelson, John Kuhn and I think Randall Cobb during the Pro Bowl Draft coverage.

I don't recall seeing Josh Sitton at that table.

[woodbuck27]

http://www.totalpackers.com/about/

About Total Packers

[woodbuck27]

Video:


http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-football/24994212/look-jordy-nelson-scores-td-in-pro-bowl-celebrates-with-other-team

http://sports.cbsimg.net/images/blogs/Nelson-Matthews-Pro-Bowl-01-25-15.jpg

Clay Matthews celebrates opposing team member Jordy Nelson's TD @ 2015 Pro Bowl Game.

By: John Breech | CBSSports.com

January 25, 2015 9:46 pm ET

[mraynrand]

Woulda been nice had Bostick made the Probowl on the team opposite Clay. Would have liked to see that 'reception' over the middle.

[mraynrand]

Pro Bowl is unwatchable with Carter and Irvin involved. Could they pick two guys I hated more in the NFL?

[hoosier]

Sapp and Neon

[woodbuck27]

I examing this right now.

I've looked at the penalty call on Clay Matthews (3rd Qtr.) when he tackled Seattle WR Doug Baldwin and 'NO WAY' does he use a hand to Baldwin's face. He simply makes a hard clean tackle.

Why? that penalty was called by the Officials ( later declined ) is utterly amazing. That tackle was absolutely clean.

3-19-GB 48 (6:51) (Shotgun) 3-R.Wilson pass deep right to 89-D.Baldwin to GB 19 for 29 yards (52-C.Matthews). Penalty on GB-52-C.Matthews, Illegal Use of Hands, declined.

[mraynrand]

I examing this right now.

I've looked at the penalty call on Clay Matthews (3rd Qtr.) when he tackled Seattle WR Doug Baldwin and 'NO WAY' does he use a hand to Baldwin's face. He simply makes a hard clean tackle.

Why? that penalty was called by the Officials ( later declined ) is utterly amazing. That tackle was absolutely clean.

3-19-GB 48 (6:51) (Shotgun) 3-R.Wilson pass deep right to 89-D.Baldwin to GB 19 for 29 yards (52-C.Matthews). Penalty on GB-52-C.Matthews, Illegal Use of Hands, declined.

If it were during the tackle, it would have been added on as a personal foul/facemask. Since it was illegal contact before the catch, the penalty can be accepted or declined.

[woodbuck27]

My final analysis of this question of why Clay Matthews was on the sidelines from 7:01 remaining in the 4th qtr.;

It looks to me like that decision was made to rest Clay Matthews or to ensure no injury.

The decision was made because MM and/or Dom Capers must have believed that the game was in the bag. That sort of thinking makes no sense.

That was a gross error that should be accounted for. How is Mike McCarthy going to explain that away?

Clay Matthews was returned to the field in Overtime. In the final Seattle series that led to the winning TD; for the most part Clay Matthews, Morgan Burnett and Julius Peppers were on the field. I 'm pretty sure that Peppers was on the sideline for the final TD play. He looked stunned as he knelt after the game was over. So did Aaron Rodgers and many other Packers. This game was simply given away. You don't sit your best defensive player until the final whistle when he's available.

Another huge error on the last TD play.

Tramon Williams wasn't given any backup over the top. He was left alone to cover WR Jermaine Kearse. The closest DB to that play and about 12 yards up field was Safety Sean Richardson.

[mraynrand]

It looks to me like that decision was made to rest Clay Matthews or to ensure no injury.

Ensure: the choice of injury-free LBs everywhere.
http://static.abbottnutrition.com/cms-prod/abbottnutrition.com/img/03-27-2014-09-53-37_57754EOrtdCHOCbtl.png

[Freak Out]

My final analysis of this question of why Clay Matthews was on the sidelines from 7:01 remaining in the 4th qtr.;

It looks to me like that decision was made to rest Clay Matthews or to ensure no injury.

The decision was made because MM and/or Dom Capers must have believed that the game was in the bag. That sort of thinking makes no sense.

That was a gross error that should be accounted for. How is Mike McCarthy going to explain that away?

Clay Matthews was returned to the field in Overtime. In the final Seattle series that led to the winning TD; for the most part Clay Matthews, Morgan Burnett and Julius Peppers were on the field. I 'm pretty sure that Peppers was on the sideline for the final TD play. He looked stunned as he knelt after the game was over. So did Aaron Rodgers and many other Packers. This game was simply given away. You don't sit your best defensive player until the final whistle when he's available.

Another huge error on the last TD play.

Tramon Williams wasn't given any backup over the top. He was left alone to cover WR Jermaine Kearse. The closest DB to that play and about 12 yards up field was Safety Sean Richardson.

In my final analysis of the game I'm convinced Special Teams really fucked the Packers chances of winning. Fire Slocum now.

[woodbuck27]

https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSDSWoKo4l1uF55_9U4vjfBxNN4_KNm2 qknUo-nmJ8K6vxlsKmpjg

More useful for a Packer win in Seattle

with 7 minutes remaining in the 4th Qtr.

We needed to see this:

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQhE3Uh1Eh0pAwwlvR3VIIMWTM1qIcUf Nfs2klOqWf1HnNIVnUE

and more of this:

https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSZlTwWZx1Az3eoL6HOCpg1gtGR-qS1FbqMQ6nAE3nbwO63e1bk

and this:

https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQ2TovIN0fLJMuFKYewJCFALte95uQHX zY4OumRbCCoSqJxiloBlA

[mraynrand]

In my final analysis of the game I'm convinced Special Teams really fucked the Packers chances of winning. Fire Slocum now.

I dunno - they also had a FF, a good return by Hyde, good coverage, and 5/5 on FGs. I know the popular narrative is they cost the Packers the game, but it really was one guy doing something he knew he wasn't supposed to do that mucked it up. And Hawk of course. And Slocum. Ah hell, fire em all.

[Pugger]

Pro Bowl is unwatchable with Carter and Irvin involved. Could they pick two guys I hated more in the NFL?

No kidding. This entire format with team captains with retired players and splitting up the conferences I can live without. How do you root for one team over the other if you have guys from your team on both squads? I really didn't give a damn who won. They can chuck those uniforms too. Other than that what's not to like? ;-)

[Freak Out]

I want to go back to the SB Champs playing the College All Stars.

[pbmax]

http://www.espnwisconsin.com/common/more.php?m=49&action=blog&r=40&post_id=46441

Today's leading theory is that he was concussed and didn't want to report it.

[woodbuck27]

http://www.espnwisconsin.com/common/more.php?m=49&action=blog&r=40&post_id=46441

Today's leading theory is that he was concussed and didn't want to report it.

Time about 10:41 remaining in the 4th Qtr. Clay Matthews helmet makes contact with Seattle TE Luke Willson's right shoulder bad.

Immediately Clay Matthews looks slowed up and down on the field but in short order gets up under his own power and runs off the field to the Packer sideline. A trainer approaches him on his right and Mike McCarthy from his left and gives him a pat and the camera cuts back to the field.

A.J. Hawk goes into the game.

At 9:11 remaining in the 4th Qtr.Clay Matthews is back in the game and he makes a nice tackle on Russell Wilson running to his right and angling to the sideline. Clay Matthews looks normal in the pursuit and hard tackle.

At 8:22 Mathews is defending the middle and close to the LOS and incomplete pass by Russell Wilson left after Nick Perry applies pressure on Russell's left.

At 8:10 Clay Matthews is in the middle of the scrum trying to bring Marshawn Lynch down on an 11 yard run. Matthews pulls out of that looking fine.

At 7:55 Clay Matthews drops back into coverage left middle of the field as Morgan Burnett Sacks Russell Wilson.

At 7:15 we see Ha Ha Clinton Dix miss a pick.

At 7:07 On a Seattle 3rd and 14 ...Clay Matthews (lined up on DL right) and Mike Neale apply heavy pressure on Russell Wilson's LHS

At 7:01 Seattle punts and I don't see Clay Matthews in the game until OT. I do see him on the side line looking fine. I see him happy and celebrating the Morgan Burnett "pick step step slide". The latest dance craze in Packer Nation.


Does anyone on Packerrats have a recording or any evidence of Clay Matthews being attended to ?

[mraynrand]

I see him happy and celebrating the Morgan Burnett "pick step step slide". The latest dance craze in Packer Nation.

lol

[woodbuck27]

Clay Matthews Photo Stream NFC Championship Game - Seattle.

See Photos 1-10.

http://www.zimbio.com/photos/Clay+Matthews/NFC+Championship+Green+Bay+Packers+v+Seattle/pVCY_wQmo_Z

[pbmax]

Clay Matthews Photo Stream NFC Championship Game - Seattle.

See Photos 1-10.

http://www.zimbio.com/photos/Clay+Matthews/NFC+Championship+Green+Bay+Packers+v+Seattle/pVCY_wQmo_Z

Photo 1 is from the Pro Bowl, 10 is a face shot. What are the rest telling me?

[woodbuck27]

Photo 1 is from the Pro Bowl, 10 is a face shot. What are the rest telling me?

I'm not sure what you'll see?

I see a very involved Clay Matthews at those moments in the game.

[pbmax]

http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/sports/290445591.html

Clay says it was knee and rib injuries. Wouldn't specify when knee injury occurred. Ribs were hurt when he got drilled after sack of Wilson.

Did say that the ribs got banged again with the collision on Willson, the one where he went down and looked like he had a concussion.

[Rutnstrut]

http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/sports/290445591.html

Clay says it was knee and rib injuries. Wouldn't specify when knee injury occurred. Ribs were hurt when he got drilled after sack of Wilson.

Did say that the ribs got banged again with the collision on Willson, the one where he went down and looked like he had a concussion.


So these "injuries" were enough to keep him out of part of the most important game of the season, yet not bad enough to miss the meaningless Pro Bowl?

[Joemailman]

So these "injuries" were enough to keep him out of part of the most important game of the season, yet not bad enough to miss the meaningless Pro Bowl?

He did return to the game in overtime. Besides, there's no real hitting in the Pro Bowl.

[deake]

When football was football
http://safeshare.tv/w/xgeUYtjBXd

[Patler]

When football was football
http://safeshare.tv/w/xgeUYtjBXd

That is a great interview! Haven't seen it before.

[pbmax]

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/02/03/clay-matthews-is-fine-if-he-has-to-play-inside-more-often/

Matthews OK with playing inside again and the coaches have already talked to him about it. Its clear his preference is to be outside, but he seems to be fine with this year's arrangement. Given his production, I would think he would be happy.

Also let's a gameplan tidbit slip from Week 1, that the pass rush was all out and that allowed Wilson to escape.

[denverYooper]

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/02/03/clay-matthews-is-fine-if-he-has-to-play-inside-more-often/

Matthews OK with playing inside again and the coaches have already talked to him about it. Its clear his preference is to be outside, but he seems to be fine with this year's arrangement. Given his production, I would think he would be happy.

Also let's a gameplan tidbit slip from Week 1, that the pass rush was all out and that allowed Wilson to escape.

I like his position as more of a flexbacker based on situation. It seems to suit his strengths better.

The Patriots also played more of a controlled rush to keep Wilson mostly in the pocket and it sure seems to limit him. He really seems to struggle to throw anything to the middle of the field.

[pbmax]

That is a great interview! Haven't seen it before.

He became a regular on both the Tonight Show and Letterman. The clips are uniformly hysterical.

[woodbuck27]

When football was football
http://safeshare.tv/w/xgeUYtjBXd

My goodness that man (Art Donovan) was funny.

He reminded me a lot of my father.

[Joemailman]

I like his position as more of a flexbacker based on situation. It seems to suit his strengths better.

The Patriots also played more of a controlled rush to keep Wilson mostly in the pocket and it sure seems to limit him. He really seems to struggle to throw anything to the middle of the field.The move seemed to energize Matthews. He had 15 tackles, 4 assists and 2.5 sacks before the move. 30/12/8.5 after. There is also the issue of what moving him around does to the preparations of opposing offenses. Having them not knowing where Matthews will line up has to have an effect.