Packers: 3 biggest surprises in first quarter of the season

Kingsley Keke

The Packers have been without star defensive tackle Kenny Clark since the season opener. Depth has been a concern along the defensive line without Clark, but second-year Kingsley Keke has stepped up and made an impact.

Keke has shown his talent as an interior pass rusher with two sacks and two quarterback hits in the first quarter of the season. He has also made some important stops in the run game.

Keke is getting more opportunities in his second season, as expected. According to Pro Football Reference, he only played on nine percent of Green Bay’s defensive snaps a year ago. Through four games this season, Keke has been on the field for 53 percent of the defensive snaps. And as long as he continues to play well, Keke’s role should only continue to increase. He has been the Packers’ best defensive lineman without Clark.

Keke’s best game came in Week 3 against the New Orleans Saints. He provided interior pass rush all night, making both of his sacks and QB hits on the year, while also forcing a fumble and making one pass defense. It was an exciting performance and hopefully a sign of what’s to come as the season goes on.

It’ll be exciting to see Keke and Clark working together after the bye week.