Question.

[BleedRed]

When we look at team needs for the draft and FA the question I keep asking myself is what really is the best position for the Badger. Obviously he has struggled with injuries, but when healthy is he a corner or a FS. Personally I see him as that ball-hawking FS so many project us taking in the draft. Obviously he can play corner as well.... and his versatility when healthy is what makes him so special, but personally I think we need to put him back at FS where he belongs. If his knees are fully recovered I would try and keep him out of the box where other injuries could occur (shoulder). I love the kid and want nothing more then to see his injures behind him and him be the amazing player we all know he is. Thoughts?

 

[PJ1]

Agree. I worry about this guy to be honest. I don't believe he can stay healthy.

 

[juza76]

His strenght is his instict and the rackless style of play , that's make him truly special and funny to.watch
Obviously the lack of size doesnt help and this the reason is injury prone
Size+style of play

 

[Mitch]

Hb has said himself that FS is not his natural position. He's a box player (SS, nickel CB) who can force the run, blitz with reckless abandon and provide tight coverage. I also think he a great option at #2 CB if others are getting beat.

 

[RugbyMuffin]

When healthy the Mathieu is a Nickel back or Strong Safety. He is playing near the line, and that is where he is effective.

When injured, Mathieu is not even a serviceable nickel back. He is not a good Free Safety either. When injured he is a very average player and a liability in coverage.

The Cardinals have two hybrid players that really do not have a full time position of strength. Mathieu and Bucanon. I personally think that is one too many under-sized guys to have on the field.

Not to mention Mathieu is getting paid big money and so far has not produced what the Cardinals are paying for.

In order for Mathieu to pay off, he has to be so disruptive that he makes up for the undersized ILBer, and the sub-par CB#2 that has to play because the salary cap restricts how much can be invested in one area, even the secondary.

There is no bigger question mark, when it comes to the Cardinals and their success than Tyrann Mathieu. The fan in me wants to see the Honey Badger play, but the logical side of me is EXTREMELY worried that Mathieu will turn from asset to albatross. No fault of Mathieu just that his body cannot hold up in the NFL.

We will see.

 

[BleedRed]

Thanks Rugby, I agree with you, although if healthy I do believe Mathieu could be that center field type free safety we are looking for. And if played as so it might help him stay healthy. Just my opinion.

 

[Ohcrap75]

Similar to Bob Sanders with the Colts. That guy was also a stud, but always seemed to be banged up. I hope HB doesn't follow the same path!

 

[AZfaninMN]

HB had a down year last year because he was coming back from his late season torn knee. He went through the same thing after his rookie year, then put together a highlight career tape in a season before tearing his other knee in a freak kind of incident. Now this year he was recovering and shell of himself. Just wait until this year when we see him back to his playmaking self and being the best hybrid player in the league and arguably the best player in the league.

As far as his size being a problem causing his injuries, I think they're freak things that happened. He got peeled back much like DJ did against the Rams and tore his knee, then making a routine int and landed when his knee popped. This year his body wasn't ready for the season after rehabbing, but I think dudes gonna be a stud once again this next season.

 

[BleedRed]

I hope you're right AZfan. I'm sure we all do.

 

[WisconsinCard]

HB had a down year last year because he was coming back from his late season torn knee. He went through the same thing after his rookie year, then put together a highlight career tape in a season before tearing his other knee in a freak kind of incident. Now this year he was recovering and shell of himself. Just wait until this year when we see him back to his playmaking self and being the best hybrid player in the league and arguably the best player in the league.

As far as his size being a problem causing his injuries, I think they're freak things that happened. He got peeled back much like DJ did against the Rams and tore his knee, then making a routine int and landed when his knee popped. This year his body wasn't ready for the season after rehabbing, but I think dudes gonna be a stud once again this next season.

Agreed, I think HB will be fine and it usually takes a year and a half for people to return to form unless your name is AP.