After a training camp practice on Aug. 10, Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy heaped praise on A.J. Hawk, saying he was having the best camp of his NFL career. A month later, Hawk didn't play a single snap from scrimmage for the Packers in their season-opening victory at Philadelphia. After starting 62 of 65 games in his Packers' career, the former first-round draft pick appears to have reached the point where his best opportunity to be a key contributor on defense might be with another team. There's still more than a month before the NFL's Oct. 19 trading deadline and although Hawk's agent, Mike McCartney, stressed that Hawk remains committed to the team that drafted him fifth overall in 2006, he indicated that Hawk would be willing to change teams if it meant more playing time. "A.J. is a pro's pro and wants to do his part to help the team win, and his first priority is to be the best Packer he can," McCartney said when reached by phone on Wednesday. "But if some team called and wanted him to play on all three downs, I think he'd be excited about that." The fifth-year pro has not lost his spot in the Packers' base 3-4 defense and remains a starter by definition, but he didn't play from scrimmage against the Eagles because defensive coordinator Dom Capers used only his sub packages with five and six defensive backs. Source: Green Bay Press-Gazette
Strange the Pack couldn't find room for him on the field. He was always a strong player from what I've seen.
Clay was like flies on crap against Philadelphia....he was given back another sack from that game today and is credited with three sacks and a forced fumble. Hawk was a pretty decent player but never made such an impact like Matthews has the last two seasons. Reminds me of a young Kevin Greene....who ironically is his linebackers coach. And the resemblance is there....mainly because of the long blonde hair Greene used to sport.
hawk gets hecked because he gets called on his pass coverage. i dont think chillar is much better... but if nick barnett hurts his knee hawk is the man for that spot on D. i hope they keep him, its a long season and just becasue he didnt match up well with the eagles doesnt mean he wont be in to play in other spots....
