The linebackers for the Packers are average at best. Former
All-World Pass Rusher Clay Matthews is a shadow of his former self and in my
opinion should be cut. He is entering the final year of a 5-year, $66,000,000 contract.
He began his career with 50 sacks in his first 5 seasons earning Pro Bowl berths
in his first four seasons, but missing his fifth when he fell to 7.5 sacks
playing with a broken thumb.
The 1st year after the signing of the contract, which was
justified at the time, Matthews spend half the season at outside linebacker and
the last half at inside linebacker and rebounded with 11 sacks returning to the
Pro Bowl.
In his 1st 6 seasons Matthews had 61 sacks, but the last 3
seasons have been below par. In 2015 he was named to the Pro Bowl, but that was
on reputation alone because he only had 6.5 sacks. In 2016 he appeared in just
12 games with 9 starts because of hamstring and a more serious shoulder
injury finishing with 5 sacks. Last season he was a situational player with 7.5
sacks sitting out half the downs and key moments in the game when he would
normally be playing.
Watching him play last season was pitiful. He no longer had
his burst to the quarterback and routinely missed the quarterback when he got
there. It’s time to move on.
