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LB Matthews on the move on field with Packers

By WTOP Staff

GENARO C. ARMAS
AP Sports Writer

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — No matter how the Packers defense lines up, Clay Matthews is adamant that his top goal is to disrupt opponents and make big plays.

It’s just that Green Bay’s best pass rusher these days may not be getting as much of a chance to do it close to the line, hovering around the same tight end or tackle on the edge play after play.

A major wrinkle to the Packers’ defense this year includes lining up Matthews in different spots, instead of just keeping the long-haired linebacker rushing from one end or the other. The defense overall has had mixed results early with Green Bay (1-1) preparing for this weekend’s game at Detroit.

“What we’re trying to accomplish is the fact that we’re trying to present problems for the opponents’ offense and not just lining me up in one spot,” Matthews said Wednesday. “But I think the thing about it is you look at the personnel on the field, I think that I’m more than capable of rushing the passer and dropping into coverage.”

Dropping into coverage is not what made Matthews a star. Since coming into the league in 2009, Matthews has had 51 sacks, including his first of 2014 against the New York Jets.

His role has changed a little this year, necessitated in part by coach Mike McCarthy using a 4-3 look at times after years of relying on a base 3-4 scheme.

On Sunday against the Jets, Green Bay opened in 4-3, with Julius Peppers and Mike Neal at the ends. With Matthews at linebacker, the Packers had three of their top rushers on the field at the same time.

At times, Matthews dropped back into coverage. Other times, he was lined up in the middle, like when he rushed the quarterback from about five yards off the line of scrimmage.

Matthews got to Geno Smith on the play, but about a half-second before Smith got off a perfectly-thrown pass to Eric Decker for a 29-yard touchdown pass down the left sideline in the second quarter.

“Whether it’s out of a 3-4, 4-3 look or whatever it may be, I believe I can do it and I believe I can do it to a high level,” Matthews said. “I think I can do it all. I think over the years, I’ve been known as a sack guy, but I think what’s been lost in the shuffle is the fact that I can cover, I can play in space and rush the passer as well.”

Whatever the reason, the defense has had slow starts, in particular against the Jets. New York scored on its first three drives, but Green Bay caught up and adjusted. Defensive coordinator Dom Capers said this week the early issues were in part due to staying in one package because of the fast pace and substitution patterns set by the Jets.

The big positive for the Packers is that they held New York to just a field goal for the last 40 minutes in winning 31-24.

“We’ve played two games. So, I think we improved from Week 1 to Week 2 on defense. And we’re looking to get better this week,” McCarthy said Wednesday.

For years, Matthews was usually stationed on either the left or right side of the front. He started from the right in 2009; went to the left the following two season; then returned to the right the next two years.

McCarthy this week said lining up Matthews in the same place each play actually helps the offense.

“If you want to chip him, if you want to slide to him, if you’re able to practice it all week ‘Clay Matthews is over there or Clay Matthews is over there,’ it’s an easier training process for the opponent,” McCarthy said. “It’s just really having Clay do the same things he’s always done and just move him around.”

Notes: Starting RT Bryan Bulaga (knee) was limited in practice Wednesday, though he appeared to be moving better than a week ago at practice. McCarthy said he was “absolutely” more optimistic Bulaga would be ready for Detroit. … S Micah Hyde (knee) was limited but looked to be moving fine after getting hurt last week. … Backup LB and special teams regular Andy Mulumba is out for the year with a knee injury.

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AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and http://twitter.com/AP_NFL

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Follow Genaro Armas at http://twitter.com/GArmasAP

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Don’t Settle for Student Loans to Pay for Online Education

By WTOP Staff
Online college programs are becoming a more popular choice for prospective students, with one study finding that more than 6 million students enrolled in at least one online course in fall 2015. The popularity of these courses can be attributed in part to their flexibility with working adults' schedules, students' ability to progress more quickly through online programs and, oftentimes, cheaper tuition. [See 10 low-cost online bachelor's programs for out-of-state students.]Online degrees can be beneficial to many college students, but some studies have shown online learners complete their programs at lower rates than students at traditional brick-and-mortar campuses. Individuals with student loans but no degree comprise two-thirds of defaulted borrowers. Though these numbers are not encouraging, just like for traditional programs, there are ways to reduce how much you'll need to borrow for an online program to ensure you won't become one of these statistics. Don't just settle on borrowing student loans to cover the whole cost of your program and living expenses. Instead, start thinking about how to cut costs and cover your balance in different ways, such as the following. -- Grants and scholarships: Even though you are taking an online course, you can still apply and receive grants and scholarships. But your first step should be to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly referred to as the FAFSA, which will allow you to receive a Pell Grant if your expected family contribution is low enough. The EFC criteria and award amounts are adjusted annually, but the 2017-2018 academic year awards range from $606 to $5,920, which could significantly lower the amount you borrow annually. Your next step is to apply for scholarships. You can start by checking online scholarship search engines, such as the Salt Scholarship Search, College Board's BigFuture and Peterson's. But don't forget to take advantage of local organizations and your school's financial aid office. Both may offer scholarships that you can't find with a national scholarship search. [Review these 10 sites to kick off your scholarship search.]For instance, organizations like the Elks Club, Knights of Columbus or the Rotary Club typically offer scholarships annually to local students. Just because you're going to school online doesn't mean you're ineligible. Visit your local library for scholarship listings, and ask around town. You might be surprised how many local organizations offer scholarships. While these scholarships typically aren't large, every little bit counts. Each dollar you receive in a scholarship is a dollar you don't have to borrow and pay interest on. -- Work-study: Another option for online students may be work-study awards. Not all students enrolled in online programs are eligible, but students at some schools -- including, for example, SUNY Empire State College and Liberty University -- are. Work-study awards are not given upfront like scholarships and grants. In most cases, they are an offer to earn up to the awarded amount if you secure an eligible work-study job. While there is a misconception that all work-study jobs must be on campus, students can work for off-campus, nonprofit or public employers as long as the work is in the public's interest. You may be able to work for a for-profit employer if the job is relevant to your course of study. No matter who the outside employer is, it will need to have an established agreement with your college for you to receive work-study funds. Remember, to be eligible for federal financial aid, you must be enrolled and pursuing a degree or certificate. If you're not working toward a credential, Pell Grants and work-study won't be option, but you may still be able to take advantage of private scholarships -- just be sure to read the eligibility criteria carefully. [Explore what to know about financial aid in online programs.]-- Pay as you go: One of the great benefits to enrolling online is the flexible schedule, which can allow you to complete your college coursework around your responsibilities. But prospective students often overlook using their part- or full-time job earnings as an option for paying for college. Almost 80 percent of college students in 2015 worked at least part time while attending classes, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. By budgeting and thinking strategically about your college costs, you can likely reduce your dependence on student loans by paying a portion out of pocket. Many -- but not all -- online programs are less expensive than traditional programs and often have shorter payment periods. Six, eight or 10 weeks are common course durations. Because of the frequency of payments in an online setting, you may be well-placed to pay as you go and possibly avoid borrowing altogether. Attending college online and avoiding student loans may be challenging, but if you are willing to put in the effort, you can limit the amount you need to borrow. More from U.S. News Q&A: Understanding Student Loan Discharge Eligibility Student Loan Refinancing Isn't Right for All Borrowers
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