Originally posted by thl408:
I've read a number of articles and thought this one, from a Packers site, gave a good summary of how a former Pro Bowler, and 2nd team All Pro, went from that to a street free agent in a span of 3 seasons.
https://www.packersnews.com/story/sports/nfl/packers/dougherty/2018/11/01/dougherty-unraveling-mystery-ha-ha-clinton-dixs-decline/1848782002/
"He thought he was good enough that he didn't have to study as much as a rookie (does)," a team source said of Clinton-Dix's mindset the last two seasons. "He's guessing (in pass coverage). He's thinking that's how you get paid."
It's true that Clinton-Dix has his moments of excellence, like his impressive interception of Buffalo rookie quarterback Josh Allen in Week 4 this year. On that play, Clinton-Dix held his deep zone until Allen threw outside, then made a strong break on the ball and knocked receiver Kelvin Benjamin out of the game while making a tough, physical interception.
But then there are the big plays where he freelanced and gave up points.
But after a Pro Bowl season in 2016 he lost his edge, fell in love with the idea that he's a playmaker and turned into a gambler at a position that punishes gamblers.
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If Ha Ha doesn't change his game, we will see what DeMeco Ryans values in his safeties - solid play versus big play ability. Ryans just talked about how he's all about turnovers. Ha Ha gambles to create turnovers, and he's shown he can get them, but with that comes occasionally surrendering the big play.
Good post — might be a decent pairing with Ward who has good range and is usually on top of where to be. And maybe the year off will give HaHa some perspective and he can play within the framework a little more than when he was younger. Like NY said above, pretty solid signing for this time of year IMO.
