FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- Atlanta Falcons rookie left tackle Jake Matthews traded a few text messages with Packers linebacker Clay Matthews this season, but the communication between the cousins has died down as of late.
"We might just wait to talk until after the game," Jake said with a laugh. "We'll see."
Monday night's game at Lambeau Field will be a Matthews family reunion. Jake is the son of Hall of Fame offensive lineman Bruce Matthews from the Houston Oilers and Tennessee Titans, and Clay's father, Clay Jr., was a three-time All-Pro for the Browns who had a stint with the Falcons (1994-96).
Jake didn't recall too many football encounters with Clay growing up, because they are six years apart. The Falcons-Packers prime-time matchup, however, is sure to be a memorable one, with Clay a four-time Pro Bowl selection and Jake playing his best football of the season.
"I hung out more with Casey, the one in Philadelphia, so [Clay] was always a little bit older than me," Jake said. "But I'm really excited to play against him. Just everything I've seen on film, he's a great player.
"It reminds me a lot what of my dad would always say: Whenever they were scouting Cleveland going into the week, the coach would be like, 'Hey, we've got to look out for this guy; he's a game-wrecker,' talking about my uncle, his brother, and how much pride he would take in that. I've been feeling the same way this week. Clay's definitely a game-wrecker on their defense. And you know, I take a lot of pride in that; being a part of our family and he's such a good player.
"Like I said, I'm really excited to play against him. He's a great player. It's going to be a big challenge for me. But I just have to feel confident and be up for it."
The Packers are using Clay Matthews in a different role now, moving him from outside linebacker to inside linebacker. He still rushes off the edge in certain situations, meaning Jake Matthews will encounter both his cousin and menacing Julius Peppers.
"I'll get a little bit of everyone," Jake said. "They move everyone around a lot. I'm sure I'll get a couple matchups against Clay, once all is said and done."
Because they are family, you would think Jake has grown accustomed to seeing Clay's pass-rush moves by now.
"It was kind of weird because I've been watching him for five or six years now going back to college, just watching him on TV, and then now actually going into a film room and studying him, it's a little different feeling," Jake said. "I've still got the same mindset. He's a great player, either way. He does a really good job mixing up his speed to power moves. He's good with his hands and jumps those snaps real well, especially us being on the road, so I've got be [aware of his] head bobs. It will be fun. I'm excited for it."
Jake said his father did offer a little insight into working against Clay, because Bruce Matthews scouted the Packers with the Titans last season.
"It was kind of a cool situation for him too, like the one I'm in right now," Jake said. "He's been saying the same things: real high-motor guy. You can't let guard down for one play because he'll take advantage of any weakness you have. ... I've got to take good sets and be aware of all that stuff."
So will there be any trash talk between the cousins on the field?
"I don't know," Jake said. "I'm sure we'll say something to each other. It will be all in fun. But it's going to be competitive."