Before we sing the praises of Green Bay Packers outside linebacker Clay Matthews, and deservedly so, it’s important to bring a little perspective to his potential accomplishment. The term sack was coined by Pro Football Hall of Fame defensive end Deacon Jones. He was one of the most intimidating defenders in league annals and terrorized opposing quarterbacks for 14 seasons as a member of the Los Angeles Rams, San Diego Chargers and Washington Redskins from 1961-74. Jones was a charter member of the Rams’ “Fearsome Foursome,” one of the most fabled units in NFL history.
However, Jones officially has zero career sacks according to the league and the Elias Sports Bureau. That’s because NFL sacks didn’t become an official stat until 1982, one year after the rookie season of some guy named Lawrence Taylor. Keep all that in mind as we proceed.
Impressive resume
In 2009 and with the 26th overall pick in the NFL draft that spring, the Green Bay Packers grabbed USC outside linebacker Clay Matthews. When healthy, the talented pro has been the franchise’s best defensive player this decade. One of the best pass-rushers in the league, the six-time Pro Bowler has also lined up at inside linebacker in an attempt to help a defensive unit that has had its share of issues in recent seasons.
Think about this for a moment: In each of his eight seasons in the league, Matthews and the Packers have been in the postseason each year.
In two games in 2016, the nine-year pro has totaled seven tackles and 1.5 sacks, along with three quarterback hits. That raises his career total of quarterback traps to 74, quote the impressive feat.
But when it comes to the “official” list for the franchise, Matthews is one sack away from taking over the top spot from defensive end Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila, who totaled 74.5 sacks from 2000-08. KGB and Matthews are followed on the list by Pro Football Hall of Famer Reggie White (68.5) as well as Tim Harris (55) and Aaron Kampman (54).
Will it happen versus the Bengals?
After splitting their first two games with the Seattle Seahawks and Atlanta Falcons, the Green Bay Packers face the winless Cincinnati Bengals this Sunday at Lambeau Field. So is this a golden opportunity for Matthews to become the franchise’s “official” all-time sack leader? Given what we have seen from Marvin Lewis’ squad this year so far, it could be a game in which the Packers’ defense goes off. The Bengals have not scored a touchdown in two games while quarterback Andy Dalton has been sacked eight times. Hence, it could be a long day for the Bengals and a big moment for Matthews.