It’s time to cut ties with Mathieu (6 Viewers)

[NS_Saint]

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

 

[ELLIASJWILLIAMS]

Lol

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.

 

[RJS]

I heard Underhill say that the defensive play calling has changed with Joe Woods taking over. He said they are playing a lot more cover 2 than when DA was calling plays. Maybe that's not to HB's preference?

 

[St. Widge]

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.



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.

To be fair, Cam had a lot of things to say about how the defense played after DA was fired and after Grantham was demoted. He didn't name names but it was clear and remains clear who he was talking about. I don't think what Mathieu said was that much different from the things Cam, and AK for that matter, have said after DA was fired.

They probably should move on from Mathieu. At the same point, he wasn't really used properly this year given his age and speed limitations and we have needs all over the field. It's going to be hard to replace every aging veteran on the field in one offseason and we already need one Safety. It's going to be hard to have the assets to replace both starting Safeties in one offseason when there is work to do at so many other positions.

 

[AARPSaint]

To be fair, Cam had a lot of things to say about how the defense played after DA was fired and after Grantham was demoted. He didn't name names but it was clear and remains clear who he was talking about. I don't think what Mathieu said was that much different from the things Cam, and AK for that matter, have said after DA was fired.

They probably should move on from Mathieu. At the same point, he wasn't really used properly this year given his age and speed limitations and we have needs all over the field. It's going to be hard to replace every aging veteran on the field in one offseason and we already need one Safety. It's going to be hard to have the assets to replace both starting Safeties in one offseason when there is work to do at so many other positions.

Not sure Harris needs to be replaced.

 

[Saint Greg]

He's been pretty bad since his first year here, people just didn't want to see it. It's just glaring now because his play is awful. The guy has just been hunting to pad his career INT numbers since day 1.

First time I noticed it was in 2022, I remember it vividly from the Bengals game that we had no business losing. His lack of effort tackling Jamar Chase on what was maybe a 6 yard pass that turned into a house call.

Yes I was down on him his first year because there were a couple tackles he didn't attempt to make that could've made the difference in games. I caught some heck for that around here. But I felt like he had a better year last year and was okay with the short term extension. Clearly that was wrong.

 

[kewee]

One of my least favorite players on the team. His lack of effort is evident each and every game, and it's been that way ever since he came here. And then he always tries to act like he's a great leader. He isn't.

 

[St. Widge]

Not sure Harris needs to be replaced.

Harris is okay, but IMO, he's not a guy you want as your starter. He's fine against the run but a liability in coverage.

 

[rlemieux]

These guys have had 3 years of bs and are tired of it. Feel what you want to about them but they’re all saying things in their own way. Kamara last year was as vocal as they come without saying too much. Cam had said Young should’ve been the defensive line coach all along. That’s basically saying Grantham wasn’t doing his job and he needed to be fired.

None of these guys have been in a 5-11 team with no way to go but down.

 

[ELLIASJWILLIAMS]

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

To be fair, Cam had a lot of things to say about how the defense played after DA was fired and after Grantham was demoted. He didn't name names but it was clear and remains clear who he was talking about. I don't think what Mathieu said was that much different from the things Cam, and AK for that matter, have said after DA was fired.

They probably should move on from Mathieu. At the same point, he wasn't really used properly this year given his age and speed limitations and we have needs all over the field. It's going to be hard to replace every aging veteran on the field in one offseason and we already need one Safety. It's going to be hard to have the assets to replace both starting Safeties in one offseason when there is work to do at so many other positions.

I disagree to an extent. Here's why and please tell me if I'm seeing it wrong.

The game prior to DA being fired, cam played in just 10 snaps. He was visibly frustrated, walked to a different lockerroom, etc...but following the game, even that week...did Cam voice his displeasure and call out the process? Or did he kind of put his head down and do what was asked.

Mathieu, immediately after the game dropped inflammatory comments that Rizzi was asked about the next day that he had to clean up.


Do you think that was the right thing to do?

I can't be more clear about this, I don't have a problem with Mathieus grievances. No issue at all, I even started a thread about it. I don't disagree at all w/ what he brought up. It was HOW he went about doing it that singles him out as someone who's disruptive.

 

[St. Widge]

I disagree to an extent. Here's why and please tell me if I'm seeing it wrong.

The game prior to DA being fired, cam played in just 10 snaps. He was visibly frustrated, walked to a different lockerroom, etc...but following the game, even that week...did Cam voice his displeasure and call out the process? Or did he kind of put his head down and do what was asked.

Mathieu, immediately after the game dropped inflammatory comments that Rizzi was asked about the next day that he had to clean up.


Do you think that was the right thing to do?

I can't be more clear about this, I don't have a problem with Mathieus grievances. No issue at all, I even started a thread about it. I don't disagree at all w/ what he brought up. It was HOW he went about doing it that singles him out as someone who's disruptive.

What Mathieu did isn't ideal but at the same point, with the team eliminated from the playoffs, the season is over. And I think we can all see that there are issues on defense and that the execution is bad on this team. I think Mathieu was frustrated and let it break through. And while Cam didn't say stuff in emotion directly after the game, he made it clear that Grantham should not have been the DL coach and was a serious issue. That's a pretty big indictment of DA and Grantham. Is it better or worse that he said it while not in the heat of emotion after a game? I just don't know that it rises to the level of you can't keep him. Especially when we should have an essentially entirely new coaching staff next year. But, I do think that they need to get younger at Safety and it's possible that Mathieu has hit the age wall.

Rizzi didn't have to address Cam's comments only because Rizzi demoted Grantham and Grantham moved on.

 

[O MAN]

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

Tyrann Mathieu will become a great football coach — it is time.

 

[renegadewa]

What Mathieu did isn't ideal but at the same point, with the team eliminated from the playoffs, the season is over. And I think we can all see that there are issues on defense and that the execution is bad on this team. I think Mathieu was frustrated and let it break through. And while Cam didn't say stuff in emotion directly after the game, he made it clear that Grantham should not have been the DL coach and was a serious issue. That's a pretty big indictment of DA and Grantham. Is it better or worse that he said it while not in the heat of emotion after a game? I just don't know that it rises to the level of you can't keep him. Especially when we should have an essentially entirely new coaching staff next year. But, I do think that they need to get younger at Safety and it's possible that Mathieu has hit the age wall.

Rizzi didn't have to address Cam's comments only because Rizzi demoted Grantham and Grantham moved on.

This what happened after Ryan Nielson left.

He was head and shoulders better than every single defensive coach on the staff including DA!

 

[ELLIASJWILLIAMS]

What Mathieu did isn't ideal but at the same point, with the team eliminated from the playoffs, the season is over. And I think we can all see that there are issues on defense and that the execution is bad on this team. I think Mathieu was frustrated and let it break through. And while Cam didn't say stuff in emotion directly after the game, he made it clear that Grantham should not have been the DL coach and was a serious issue. That's a pretty big indictment of DA and Grantham. Is it better or worse that he said it while not in the heat of emotion after a game? I just don't know that it rises to the level of you can't keep him. Especially when we should have an essentially entirely new coaching staff next year. But, I do think that they need to get younger at Safety and it's possible that Mathieu has hit the age wall.

Rizzi didn't have to address Cam's comments only because Rizzi demoted Grantham and Grantham moved on.

Right, I agree...and yet I don't think it's being understood.

Again, I don't have a problem w/ what Mathieu said. Similarly I don't have an issue w/ what Cam said, but he didn't say anything about it until both guys were out of the organization. He didn't air dirty laundrey, Mathieu did and he did it in such a way that the HC had to answer questions about it.

Anytime your coach has to get up and address your actions or words, what was done probably wasn't smart.

It was incredibly inflammatory at a time where everyone in the lockeroom probably feels or felt the same, but absolutely NO ONE went out of their way to say it.

If you will, go and look at Cams and Demario's Post Game conferences, they quite literally went out of their way to deny that they weren't unprepared or didn't get enough practice reps. Specifically Demario he immediately shot down that notion when asked.

So not only did he cause his coach to answer questions, he had his teammates having to respond to comments based around what he said. He put people in uncomfortable situations the moment he did what he did. That's a personality type that can be detrimental in the long game.

and I should clarify my previous statement about was it wrong or right. It wasn't wrong, we have the option to be critical, but absolutely nothing about what he did helped the situation in that moment, it very obviously harmed the situation.

 

[St. Widge]

Right, I agree...and yet I don't think it's being understood.

Again, I don't have a problem w/ what Mathieu said. Similarly I don't have an issue w/ what Cam said, but he didn't say anything about it until both guys were out of the organization. He didn't air dirty laundrey, Mathieu did and he did it in such a way that the HC had to answer questions about it.

Anytime your coach has to get up and address your actions or words, what was done probably wasn't smart.

It was incredibly inflammatory at a time where everyone in the lockeroom probably feels or felt the same, but absolutely NO ONE went out of their way to say it.

If you will, go and look at Cams and Demario's Post Game conferences, they quite literally went out of their way to deny that they weren't unprepared or didn't get enough practice reps. Specifically Demario he immediately shot down that notion when asked.

So not only did he cause his coach to answer questions, he had his teammates having to respond to comments based around what he said. He put people in uncomfortable situations the moment he did what he did. That's a personality type that can be detrimental in the long game.

and I should clarify my previous statement about was it wrong or right. It wasn't wrong, we have the option to be critical, but absolutely nothing about what he did helped the situation in that moment, it very obviously harmed the situation.

That's fair. I guess I just didn't see Mathieu's comments as being that bad. Yes, they were a bit worse than what Cam said for the reasons you noted, but I don't think they rise to the level of the stuff MT said.

And I don't think it would be an issue going forward because the coaching staff will turn over and he didn't call out any players on the team.

But, I certainly can see your point of view. And if the current staff did stay, I can see how it would be an issue.