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.