It’s time to cut ties with Mathieu
That's interesting, wasn't even aware. Despite being unhappy w/ his role, Cam Jordan never called out Todd Grantham, he just did his job. Same w/ Kamara last year when he was unhappy w/ Pete, etc.
It's also no different than what people expected from Dennis Allen following the Jameis incident. Even if he felt that way privately, he should have publically backed his players, and scolded them in private.
Mathieu could have aired his grievances behind the scenes, not to the media. Meanwhile Jordan and Demario have only spoken glowingly of the organization and how they do things. It's very noticeable when someone is openly critical when other people aren't doing the same and aren't sharing the sentiment.
There's more problems on this defense than Honey Badger. The guy shouldn't be utilized as much as he is at this point in his career. A good coaching staff wouldn't overexpose an aging player like him, but would use him as a supplemental piece to help out younger emerging players with communication and identifying what they're seeing. The guy has shown he can still make big plays, but the season is long and their bodies take a lot of punishment.
Problem is, not much of the young talent on this team is stepping up when the opportunity is presented, at least not consistently. There can be endless debate on whether that's on coaching, talent evaluation, or player effort. That's just what the reality of the situation is
I concur, I do think at this point in his career he's more of a dime back/s. Rather than having him back there babysitting he should be one of the players you're allowing to attack. His role in DA's defense has been the eraser, Allen referred to him as that on multiple occasions. He's back there to clean up other peoples mistakes, and I'm sure that's boring for him.
So it's not that I disagree w/ his comments, it's just that he could have handled it better. No different than feeling like Thomas could have aired his grievances in a better way. He's likely not employed because of how he carried himself.
I'm not saying Mathieu is a bad person, or player. I'm saying the type of energy he's carrying is divisive in the grand scheme of things. He's one of the players I'd let go so he can go where he can be happy, because he's clearly not happy here.
Complaining is anti-seductive and that's what he did. Haven't heard any other player carry themselve like that, despite plenty of opportunities to do so.