Hats off to Clay Matthews

[wmc540]

I was not excited with the signing. I recall Fisher signing vets on the downside of their careers and it didn’t work out too well, Dexter Coakley ring a bell?

I wasn’t excited about Weddle either. What I overlooked is Weddle and Matthews are very intelligent football players and Wade is good at optimizing talent. They seem to be a perfect fit.

Dexter Coakley was well before Fisher's time. Have to stick up for Fisher on this one ha.

 

[Flint]

I can see some big sack games against guys who aren’t as nimble back there, they’re getting good pressure across the line. Looks like that issue has been addressed.

 

[Noregar]

I was high on the Weddle signing form the start but I have to admit I was more skeptical of the Mathews signing because of his age and dip in production at GB.

After seeing what he has done so far I am very happy with this pickup.

Heck, with his bloodline he may have another 10 years as a Ram (Borrowing from a Phillips' TC comment).

 

[Varg6]

I read somewhere a Packers fan saying it was akin to the Robert Quinn situation. Still a solid player, just older and not the same guy he was. But he's still a smart veteran player. I liked the signing then, and I'm certainly loving it now. Hope he stays healthy. Between him and Weddle, it seems like we really have something special on defense.

 

[12intheBox]

He isn't going to find himself wildly out of position very often, he is still a solid tackler, and he is a leader. I don't expect the sack pace to continue - but I'll take each one he gives us.

 

[MrRiceGuyRJ]

I am loving the pressure Clay puts on as a rusher. I hope we minimize trying to drop him in coverage because that's just painful.

 

[Mackeyser]

I read somewhere a Packers fan saying it was akin to the Robert Quinn situation. Still a solid player, just older and not the same guy he was. But he's still a smart veteran player. I liked the signing then, and I'm certainly loving it now. Hope he stays healthy. Between him and Weddle, it seems like we really have something special on defense.

The sad part for Quinn is that his injury and lack of production was in large part an issue of that damn "lobster claw" thing that OL would do to him when he'd dip and rip.

He's having a resurgence in Dallas and I think he'll have his best year since he left the Rams now that you can't do that, anymore.

If those rules were in place all along, Quinn's production would have been substantially higher.

 

[Merlin]

The sad part for Quinn is that his injury and lack of production was in large part an issue of that damn "lobster claw" thing that OL would do to him when he'd dip and rip.

He's having a resurgence in Dallas and I think he'll have his best year since he left the Rams now that you can't do that, anymore.

If those rules were in place all along, Quinn's production would have been substantially higher.

I think Quinn got lazy. Then I think he was one of Fish's guys who wasn't too happy with the new regime and direction on defense. So in a way he's only got himself to blame, as he's got the skills to play in this defense and excel with him it's always what's in his head IMO.

 

[Mackeyser]

He isn't going to find himself wildly out of position very often, he is still a solid tackler, and he is a leader. I don't expect the sack pace to continue - but I'll take each one he gives us.

I do. What are they going to do, double him? Double Fowler? Not when they're not only doubling AD, but sliding a third to him. Both Fowler and Matthews are feasting on those 1 on 1s.

Also, opposing QBs aren't getting the time to drop back. Last night really illustrated it. With our bend don't break D, if Mayfield had a sub 2.5s quick drop and pass play, he was like 12/13 /w a TD. Beyond that, he had like one completed pass.

I'd agree if we didn't have AD, but AD makes it where opposing OCs have to simply hope their OTs, TEs and RBs can get the job done, because you won't see too many doubles on our OLBs. Not with AD wrecking havoc.

 

[yrba1]

I'm expecting Fowler or Ebukam to breakout next once teams scheme to neutralize Matthews. Feels great having a pick your poison defense.

 

[theduke]

It sure seems like Clay has knows where to put himself to clean up QBs when the pocket breaks down. With Donald applying so much pressure up the middle he seems like a perfect compliment to him.

Yup! This is why I'm so glad that we have this combination of Kroenke, Demoff, Snead, and McVay. Perfectly complementary.

 

[Dxmissile]

Definitely need to keep him rested, nice thing Ebukam has flashed when given a chance. Shoot I don't see Obo seeing the field because of the players in front of him

Yep Ebukam has been very solid when he’s in there

 

[-X-]

It's still weird seeing him in those colors. Kinda like when Kevin Greene went to Pittsburgh. That looked bizarre to me at the time. Then of course the most putrid, vile, unGodly thing I've ever seen in my life.

Bruce in a 49ers jersey. alm:

 

[Ram65]

Clay is staying in position and holding his area. He doesn't seem to be beating his man with speed and power of old. I'll take it with Ebu getting playing time as well. Clay is playing the run very well. Nice rotating trio off the Edge with Fowler.

 

[RamFan503]

A little home cooking has him playing like his ole Fabio self.

 

[RamFan503]

It's still weird seeing him in those colors. Kinda like when Kevin Greene went to Pittsburgh. That looked bizarre to me at the time. Then of course the most putrid, vile, unGodly thing I've ever seen in my life.

Bruce in a 49ers jersey. alm:

I really shouldn't have given this a like. Painful