Matthieu started every game in 2012, and was credited with 7 passes broken up and 2 ints. One of those ints (vs WV) came on a corner blitz when he deflected the pass at the point of release; in other words, it did not come from a traditional coverage play. Now compare those 7 PBU and 2 int with Tharold Simon, who played considerably less then TM. He broke up 10 passes and also had 2 ints. But Matthieu also had 6 forced fumbles, 5 recoveries, 1.5 sacks and 3 QB hurries. Matthieu's value is measured in his playmaking ability, much of which occurs when he is not playing the traditional cornerback role.
I agree, the honey badger is the disruptor, the freelancer. But it's hard to see him as dominate, if he had to accept a pure pass coverage role. Bama exposed some of those limitations. A Javier Arenas type of player.
Dominant is the word and it is what earned him first-team All-American honors, the Bednarik Award, The SEC Defensive Player of the Year, the SEC championship game MVP, and finalist for the Walter Camp Player of the Year and the Heisman Friggin' Trophy. Bama didn't expose jack chit. Enough of your backhanded insults.
Thus my Javier Arenas comparison. 2009 all-america as a d-back and all-america on special teams. Don't see how the comparison is a "backhanded insult to any SEC football player.
So exposed you waited till the 4th quarter to not get a passing TD, but rather a rushing TD. So exposed....
I don't know why you think perfect passes by AJ (compliments to him) so only the receiver can catch the ball exposes TM7. Credit Alabama for trying something new Jan 9, but little reverse waggle flat passes and well thrown out routes did not expose TM7. In fact as Red states with the novelty of the play calling Bama was not able to score a TD (on the ground) till 4 minutes left. Had we had a semblence of an offense it would have been Nov all over. TM7 was the most impactfull D player for 14 games last year and he will show you again why you don't mess with the Honey Badger. THAT sir is why we look forward to next Nov in Tiger stadium!
