I picked him up in my yahoo IDP league. I'm a LSU fan live in Louisiana, so I have watched him play in a ton of games. He was the fan favorite for sure. was loved by LSU community fan base. He has incredible nose for the ball similar to Troy Polamalu. I'm not saying he has the tackling or coverage skills, or maybe oveall football skills as Polamalu...
its just that Mathieu was always involved in the tackle on just about every play, he will find his way to the ball by the end of the play if he does not end the play himself. also caused alot of forced fumbles, and sacks. At games, when he intercepted a pass, we would stand with anticipation of a TD return becuase it seemed like it was a 50/50 proposition he would score.
I know the NFL is an entirely step up in talent, not expecting the same results. But hoping.
I took him as a 3rd DB option, we start 2 in my league, and i don't have him starting week one. My hopeful expectations is surely ARZ isn't stupid enough not to let this guy return kickoffs and punts. he is a threat to score every time he touches the ball including interceptions.
Arz has a very good defense, and Mathieu will have to work his way up the food chain, hopefully we will see him in the nickel package more often than not. I anticipate he will be a playmaker, and hopefully by mid year, Arizona will have a solid plan on how to use this ballhawk.