Packers: Top five performers in Week 3 loss vs. Washington

LANDOVER, MD - SEPTEMBER 23: Da'Ron Payne #95 of the Washington Redskins pressures quarterback Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers in the second half at FedExField on September 23, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - SEPTEMBER 23: Da'Ron Payne #95 of the Washington Redskins pressures quarterback Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers in the second half at FedExField on September 23, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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Green Bay Packers, Kenny Clark
GREEN BAY, WI – SEPTEMBER 09: Kenny Clark #97 of the Green Bay Packers reacts during the second quarter of a game against the Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field on September 9, 2018 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

3. Kenny Clark

On a day where the defense was gashed for over 300 yards in one half, there wasn’t much to get excited about. Mike Pettine’s defense gave up big gains on the ground and through the air, although the defense did play much better in the second half.

One constant presence throughout the game was defensive tackle Kenny Clark. Clark had nine tackles, six of which were solo, on the day. Clark also batted down a pass with the Redskins pinned back against their own goal line. He was a wrecking ball and hard to handle for the Redskins interior.

Clark has been tough to move in the run game while also packing a punch in pass rush. He has also shown good awareness knocking down passes when he can’t get to the quarterback.

Clark will have to continue to pick up his play. Big ticket free agent Muhammad Wilkerson is done for the year with a serious ankle injury. Clark and Mike Daniels will be called upon again to anchor the line with Dean Lowry and Montravius Adams moving into key roles.

Wilkerson’s injury is tough to handle. While he wasn’t dominating, he played solid and was a key contributor to the defense. His loss will have to be made up for by more than one player, although Clark can make the loss of Wilkerson easier if he continues to pick up his play.