Matthews and Ryan Are Your Starting Inside Backers
The Green Bay Packers finally acknowledged something the rest of us have known all along, while also formally making a change we’ve been clamoring for for some time.
When they released their latest depth chart, they finally had Clay Matthews listed as an inside linebacker. Even though he’s been playing that position all season, the Packers listed him as a starter at outside linebacker (along with Julius Peppers) until this week.
The other change is a little more notable.
Rookie Jake Ryan has formally been handed the other starting inside linebacker job over Nate Palmer. The former got his first start of the season at Detroit, turning in 10 tackles, while the latter has pretty much been a disaster all season.
We’ve been wondering why the coaching staff has been so stubborn about giving Ryan a chance, considering the level of play they were getting from Palmer. Of course, this is Green Bay, where we don’t deviate from a plan.
Looking forward, this will set up an interesting battle between Ryan and Sam Barrington next season. That is, unless the Packers feel comfortable going with a Ryan-Barrington tandem in the middle and moving Matthews back outside.
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What a shock! Packers playing ILB’s that absolutely suck. Never in the history of this storied franchise has that ever taken place before. Oh wait! Forgot about the years of putting up with that piece of shit who’s name starts with AJ. And, oh yeah, Brad what’s his name too. Nate should file a grievance.
After looking lost, Ryan looked like a stud against Detroit & played well against Minny too.
Hopefully he starts running & hitting like a poor man’s Keuchley/Thomas Davis.
“formally been handed”?
How about…
“finally earned”
Glad to see the change (for Ryan). Hopefully Big Ted will drop a second or third round pick on an LB this coming year – it seems like it has been an area of perpetual weakness, which makes it tough to stop the run!
I fail to understand why this great scouting dept has such trouble identifying top tier talent, especially at the top of the draft.
Stfu V. We know you would drafted a superstar every pick. You don’t have to keep telling us that. Tell you what…next draft why don’t you make picks in real time when the Packers are on the clock and post them for everyone to see rather than saying I would’ve done this or that.
Do that every year and let’s see how good you are. Right now you ain’t shit but an after the fact complainer.
Oh I would have done so much better! Please.
Clay still isn’t ranked in the top 5 spots of LBs with TFL or sacks. You know who is leading both categories?? He’s known to have two initials that are the same and has been ranked in the top 5 spots of the 100 top players of the NFL for the past three years by most of his peers. (HINT: JJ)
Just admit to it Packer fans, Clay’s talent has plateaued and he’s slowly going down hill. He hasn’t made any great plays since… since… I can remember.
The pick against the bears in the first game?
To think Jake could possibly replace Matthews!!! BOING!!!