#52, Terrible Middle Linebacker

[Patler]

2nd week in a row Mathews did not record a single tackle.

I was surprised to read that last week, shocked to see it happen two weeks in a row. I'm not sure how that is even possible for a middle linebacker.

[Rutnstrut]

I've always thought Clay was over rated regardless of where he is on the field.

[Rutnstrut]

Are they grooming him to take over for Peppers next year?

If they are he will have to learn how to lean against lineman and take plays off.

[pbmax]

I was surprised to read that last week, shocked to see it happen two weeks in a row. I'm not sure how that is even possible for a middle linebacker.

Its easier, though still notable, when you spend half the game rushing the passer and not getting home.

[Deputy Nutz]

Its easier, though still notable, when you spend half the game rushing the passer and not getting home.

True, but he didn't do a thing from the edge either. He is not using a whole lot of technique off the edge. It is the same move over and over again. He drops level takes a step to the outside and plunges straight into the linemen.

[pbmax]

True, but he didn't do a thing from the edge either. He is not using a whole lot of technique off the edge. It is the same move over and over again. He drops level takes a step to the outside and plunges straight into the linemen.

Yeah, that is the base level technique in Capers pass rush front. And that is a result of splitting his time. He doesn't get much technique work outside and he doesn't spend much time on stunts.

There were using him to dive in toward the Guard on a Twist (allow Peppers or Neal to loop around the collapsing tackle), but I did not see that one versus the Cardinals.

[mraynrand]

It sure looked like they were running everything away from him. Who the hell else are the Cardinals game planning for?

[Patler]

It sure looked like they were running everything away from him. Who the hell else are the Cardinals game planning for?

Either that, or he is patterning his play after Charles Woodson and simply running away from ball carriers.

[mraynrand]

Either that, or he is patterning his play after Charles Woodson and simply running away from ball carriers.

Hee hee. Chucky is more crafty he just tackles by grabbing the uniform or directing out of bounds. Very smart player.

[Patler]

Hee hee. Chucky is more crafty he just tackles by grabbing the uniform or directing out of bounds. Very smart player.

Matthews should study Woodson more closely, then. Needs to learn how to avoid tackling by making tackles.

[Patler]

Seriously, though; how does a middle linebacker go two complete games without a single tackle or half tackle? How does any linebacker who plays the entire game go two consecutive games without a tackle? Is he npt pursuing at all?

[mraynrand]

Matthews should study Woodson more closely, then. Needs to learn how to avoid tackling by making tackles.

I don't think Matthews is protecting himself from getting hit and hurt like Woodson was. Woodson wasn't avoiding tackles, he was avoiding hits

[mraynrand]

Seriously, though; how does a middle linebacker go two complete games without a single tackle or half tackle? How does any linebacker who plays the entire game go two consecutive games without a tackle? Is he npt pursuing at all?

I watched him a little bit. He takes himself out of plays. Hits holes but doesn't get through and gets caught on blocks all the time. He's jogging in pursuit a lot. Not a big motor there. he looks bad.

[pbmax]

Also

Packer Report @PackerReport 29m29 minutes ago
Clay's lack of tackles past two games: dropped more into coverage yesterday.