Clay Matthews of the Green Bay Packers is not a fan of the new rules that the NFL has put in place protecting quarterbacks. He isn't the only one, but there has not been another player impacted as much by the new rules as Matthews. In the first three weeks of the season, Matthews has been called for three very tough penalties that changed the course of the game.
In Week 1, Matthews was flagged on what would have been a game-ending interception against the Chicago Bears. Two weeks ago, Matthews was flagged for a hit on Kirk Cousins that ended up costing the Packers a win. Last week, Matthews once again got called for a penalty on what looked like a clean hit on Alex Smith.
Despite all of the trouble that the Packers have had due to Matthews' penalties, the team is not turning on him. Team president Mark Murphy has made it clear to his star linebacker that he does not want him to change his game.
According to a report shared by Ryan Wood of the Green Bay Press-Gazette, Murphy wants Matthews to keep playing the same way that he has been playing so far this season.
Asked Clay Matthews if he's spoken with Mark Murphy about his hits. He said Murphy told him not to change anything, keep playing way he's playing. Interesting, since Murphy is on the NFL's competition committee.
— Ryan Wood (@ByRyanWood) September 27, 2018
Matthews has been very good at getting to the quarterback this season, which is exactly what Green Bay needed. The pass rush was a big problem for the defense last season. Unfortunately, Matthews has been getting some tough calls going against him and is beginning to be given a stereotype of being a repeat offender.
Throughout the first three games of the season, Matthews has racked up six tackles to go along with no sacks. That's right, no sacks, although many would argue that he should have at least two.
Green Bay needs Matthews to continue being aggressive. Without his presence on the edge, they would have a rough team getting pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Moving forward, all the Packers and Matthews can do is hope that flags don't continue flying on hits that don't look bad at all on replay.
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