The numbers aren’t there for Clay Matthews early this season: one sack, 16 tackles, no involvement in turnovers.
Packers coach Mike McCarthy says that essentially the numbers lie.
“I understand what the statistics may, you know, [look like] from your standpoint. But as far as his grades week in and week out, he’s playing at a very high level,” McCarthy said via Kareem Copeland of the Green Bay Press-Gazette.
Matthews’ best game may have come against the Bears. He had three tackles for loss. We watched him quite a bit against the Panthers, and were surprised to see the Carolina line handle Matthews sometimes in one-on-one situations.
“I told Clay today he just needs to continue to play like he’s playing,” defensive coordinator Dom Capers said. “Those things will come. He’s playing outstanding football right now.”
The team also said Matthews has improved as a run defender. The Packers sound thrilled with his play overall, and we’ll take their word for it for now.
Matthews has earned the benefit of the doubt; the splash plays should come.