Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy made sure to emphatically state that Clay Matthews is an outside linebacker during his postseason press conference last week.
However, Matthews told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's Tom Silverstein at the Super Bowl that during his exit interview with coaches, the topic of him playing inside for a good number of snaps again next year was discussed.Â
"We talked. Moving forward I see from not only our coach's expectations, but my own expectations (are there) for playing inside," Matthews said.
"I really enjoyed it. I enjoyed the change. At the same time, I'm very good at getting after the quarterback off the edge, so I think there's a fine line. So, we'll see. Week in and week out you never knew if I was going to be there 100 percent of the snaps or only 10. We'll see what that means moving forward."
The Packers' defense improved significantly after Dom Capers began using Matthews more on the inside to help plug the run in Week 10. If the Packers bring Julius Peppers back next year, they could have the luxury of using Matthews on the inside more.
However, finding a true inside linebacker through the draft or in free agency will be general manager Ted Thompson's top priority to allow Matthews to play his natural position.
"I enjoy it (but) at the same time, I specialize at being a pass rusher and an outside linebacker," Matthews said.
The latest Around The NFL Podcast recaps Super Bowl XLIX, including Malcolm Butler's game-sealing interception, Tom Brady's legacy and more. Find more Around The NFL content on NFL NOW.
