Clay Matthews experiment already paying off in big way for Rams

The Los Angeles Rams signed Clay Matthews in free agency during the offseason to provide depth at linebacker.

When reports first emerged during the offseason how there was interest between the Los Angeles Rams and Clay Matthews before the linebacker eventually agreed to a two-year deal, some football fans didn’t shy away from their criticism over the move.

For a linebacker that turned 33 in May, and appeared to be on the decline over the last few years as a member of the Green Bay Packers, the addition of a veteran like Matthews drew some concerns over the Rams wasting their time.

Obviously, Matthews’ numbers were far from what they used to be at the beginning of his career recorded double-digit sacks in four of his first six NFL seasons, but there still seemed to be some gas left in the old tank.

Whatever the reasons behind the decision by the Packers not to bring Matthews back for an 11th NFL season, the Rams certainly weren’t disappointed since they were hoping to take advantage of the situation.

Football fans could say whatever they wanted about Matthews being far from the level he used to be on, but his presence and veteran experience to benefit some of the younger members of the defense seemed like this would be well worth it for Los Angeles.

Through two games, Matthews has been absolutely stunning for the Rams with a sack in each contest to make it seem like the risk to bring the linebacker on board during the offseason is already paying off in a big way for the defense.

Matthews still has a long way to go for obvious reasons since it’s only been two games, and this doesn’t determine what the next few months will be like, but it’s certainly been a great start for Los Angeles to see.

Between the Rams being one of three undefeated teams remaining in the NFC West along with how competitive the conference in general is expected to be, Los Angeles will need all of the extra help they can get from Matthews moving forward.

Luckily for the Rams, when seeing how impressive Matthews has looked so far, the linebacker doesn’t seem like he’s going to be slowing down at all, and could be in for another solid outing Sunday night when Los Angeles takes on the Cleveland Browns.