Packers use pass rusher Clay Matthews to shore up run defense

The Packers had issues stopping the run this season, including Week 1 against the Seahawks, until they adjusted All-Pro pass rusher Clay Matthews' role.

BY DANNY O\'NEIL

Jan 15, 2015, 1:59 PM Updated: 3:14 pm

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Using linebacker Clay Matthews in more of a run-stopping role helped Green Bay limit opponents to 86.4 rushing yards per game in the second half of the regular season. (AP)

(AP)

The Packers looked within themselves to find an answer to their struggles in stopping to run.

And while that may sound like a very personal inventory, it was actually much more about personnel.

Specifically, Clay Matthews. He has been one of the league’s top pass rushers since he entered the league in 2009, logging 10 sacks as a rookie. This year, he has played some inside linebacker, moving back off the ball for the first time in his career.

The results have been pretty clear.

Green Bay allowed 153.5 yards per game over the first half of its regular-season schedule, 4.8 yards per carry. The Packers gave up 86.4 per game and 3.6 per carry over the second half.

“They’ve utilized him for all of the great ability that he has,” coach Pete Carroll said. “And the aggressive nature that he has, shows up when he plays off the ball as well as when he’s on the ball.”

Carroll coached Matthews at USC and said Thursday that he regretted how long it took him to recognize what a talented playmaker Matthews could be. In fact, it wasn’t until after the first game of Matthews final season that he became a full-time player for the Trojans’ defense.

On Sunday in the NFC Championship Game, the Seahawks will begin each play by looking for where Matthews lines up.

“You have to be aware for where he is,” Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson said.

After all, this is the season one of the league’s top pass rushers has been in the middle of Green Bay’s defensive renaissance against the run.