Packers: Top five performers vs. Vikings in Week 2 victory
By Jesse Fry
3. Kenny Clark/Blake Martinez
In a bit of a bonus selection, I chose Blake Martinez and Kenny Clark. Both of these young veterans are proving valuable for this defense. Martinez is the definition of tackling machine, while Clark is a playmaker in the middle of the defensive line.
Martinez finished the game with 13 tackles and was the steady presence in the middle. Dalvin Cook was still able to have a monster game, but I feel it had more to do with the player he is and not how this team was playing.
Clark was a disruptive force all day long on the line. He constantly applied pressure up the middle, not allowing Cousins a clean pocket most of the game, and he made a huge strip-sack that set up a score.
I could fill up the top performers with defenders. Preston Smith got his first pick of the season caused by another top performer Darnell Savage. Savage also caused a fumble that was recovered by the Vikings. Although Za’Darius Smith did not register a sack, he was tough to block and all over the field before leaving with what is hopefully a minor ankle injury.
There are playmakers everywhere on this defense, and this may be the most talented defense Green Bay has had in 10 years.