What is up with Matthews?

[Bethlehemjohn]

Surprising to me.

 

[dougpaper]

he did well at the freestyle worlds a year ago or so. Not sure why it doesn't translate to his arsenal on his feet?

 

[persp]

Surprising to me.

I dont think its anything wrong with him. I think he just hasnt evolved his game enough since his AA in 2022. Everyone knows what he is going to do and he continues to do it. He was more aggressive last night but it didn't help him much. The first takedown he gave up came off Cole's offense so that was different and a likely outlier.

There are two ways to avoid Cole's scrambling skills. Low doubles at the ankles and, because he is short, standing up a single and forcing him to defend on one leg. The second one has been the main way he has given up takedowns so far this season.

My opinion is that Cole has to shoot to force the scrambles he wants. He has to hunt the positions he wants because guys have been avoiding those positions at all costs. If he shoots, dudes WILL scramble on the mat. They will have no other choice