Packers Pro Bowl DL Kenny Clark deserves some recognition for his recent performances. Clark started the year on the slower side of things but since the Thanksgiving game against Miami, his play has jumped to the next level. The weather might be getting colder in Green Bay but Kenny Clark is heating up. As the regular season winds down, Clark will need to play at a high level for the Packers to make a playoff run.
Green Bay resigned Kenny Clark to a three year, $64 million dollar extension right before the start of training camp in July. Clark is a player that can light up the box score but he can also affect the game in a way that statistics do not account for. On Thanksgiving night, Kenny Clark registered his first sack of the season in a victory over the Miami Dolphins. That sack has seemingly propelled Clark. Since that play, the Packers are noticing that the “Kenny Clark Effect” is starting to set in.
Kenny Clark Affects the Game Outside of the Box Score
In the Packers last second loss to the Lions, it was evident that Kenny Clark played his best game and showed how good he can be. In that game, Clark registered 8 tackles, 3 QB Pressures, and 6 Run Stops, per NFL Pro. Watching that game, it was clear as day that Clark was a problem for the Lions.
Against the Seahawks, Clark’s presence was felt, not in the box score, but in the flow of the game. On the first series, Edgerrin Cooper sacked Seahawk QB Geno Smith. Cooper and Clark ran a stunt. Cooper appeared to set a pick to free up Clark but ultimately, Clark absorbed two Seahawks blockers which sprung Cooper free for the sack. That is the kind of effect Clark brings. He can absorb multiple blocks which, as a result, opens up opportunities for other Packers defenders to make the play.
Kenny Clark is Getting Healthy at the Right Time
Kenny Clark told the media this week that his toe injury is finally healing. Although the injury has not prevented Clark from playing, it definitely bothered him. He was on the injury report for several weeks. It is a good sign that the Clark is starting to feel better. When he is healthy, he can be real force for Green Bay. The Packers have dealt with inconsistent play from the defensive line throughout the season so hopefully, Clark can keep trending in the right direction health wise.
It is no secret that a team’s best players must play a significant role in the playoffs. Kenny Clark is one of the Packers’ most important players. He can be a game a wrecker for Green Bay. With a few critical games left on the schedule, keep your fingers crossed that Kenny will continue his ascendance. A red hot Kenny Clark will be a problem for opposing teams in the playoffs.
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