Clay Matthews practiced primarily at the inside linebacker spot at the Green Bay Packers‘ organized team activities practice on Thursday, leading many to believe that playing inside may be his primary position heading into the 2015 season.
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Thursday’s practice was a strong indication that the Packers at least expect Matthews to devote a lot of time playing inside, as the Packers were without outside linebackers Julius Peppers, Mike Neal, and Nick Perry Thursday and still had Matthews practice the majority of his time with the inside linebackers’ group.
But even though Matthews had success playing inside linebacker the second half of the 2014 season, in which he even improved on his sack totals in the second part of the season, it would definitely be a mistake for the Packers to permanently move him to the inside.
There is no question that the Packers have better depth with their outside linebackers compared to their inside group so that moving Matthews inside would give the other outside linebackers more of a chance to play. And I know a lot of fans would like to see Matthews move to the inside on a permanent basis because of the success they saw last year.
But Matthews is still a premier pass rusher and one of the best in today’s game and to take that part of his game away would be a big mistake. Pass rushers in the NFL are at a premium. You can never have too many.
And by decreasing the amount of plays that Matthews would be rushing the quarterback could hurt the Packers on defense, because you’re taking away the best part of your best defensive player’s game. Thankfully, I don’t believe that’s what the Packers have in mind for Matthews.
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Even after Thursday’s practice, I don’t think it’s an indication that the Packers are dead set on moving Matthews to the inside on a permanent basis. I believe you’re going to see Matthews be more active all over the field for this upcoming season. You’re going to see him play both inside and outside and go after the quarterback from different areas of the field.
We did see some of that in the latter part of last season and we should all expect to see it more. And I believe that’s the smart move for both the Packers and Matthews. As soon as the Packers started to move Matthews around the field, his sack numbers went up and he was constantly making plays and flying to the ball. Matthews was becoming a more dynamic playmaker on the field.
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So what can we expect to see from Matthews this upcoming season? You will probably see him play inside on early downs or playing inside to help stop the run, an area he was solid at last year. Expect to see Matthews come from the outside on obvious passing situations and you will even see Matthews blitz up the middle to confuse the offensive line.
Matthews may want to permanently move back to the outside, but he has a unique talent and ability to be a dominant player all over the field and the Packers are going to tap into that luxury. By playing multiple positions, Matthews has the chance to increase his stats, be around the ball more, and become an even more fearful defensive presence and playmaker on the field.
In turn, the Packers have a chance to be a creative and confusing defense for opposing offenses.
So even though Matthews practiced on Thursday with the inside linebackers group, don’t expect that to be his new permanent position. Playing inside is still new to Matthews and he needs the practice at that position and that’s more than likely what we’re seeing right now.
But get ready to see a new Clay Matthews this upcoming season. A Clay Matthews that will be making plays all over the field, instead of just rushing from the edge. A more dangerous Clay Matthews.
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