Packers: Five players key to victory in Week 6 vs. Buccaneers
By Jesse Fry
4. Kenny Clark
Noticing a theme here? The middle of the Packers defense is going to need to step up not just for this game, but if the Packers want to make a serious run at a championship. Like Davante Adams, Kenny Clark is returning from injury and will be seeing his first game action since the first half in week one.
The defense has missed Clark. In addition to being a space-eater, Clark can push and collapse the pocket, making life difficult for Tom Brady. Brady isn’t a mobile quarterback but he can slide and move side to side with the best of them.
If Clark can take away the ability to step up, Za’Darius Smith, Preston Smith, and what looks like a returning Rashan Gary, will have all the time they need to get to Brady.
The defense has played admirably in his absence but Clark will make the defense, and team in general, much better. Clark can take the defense up a notch or two. He can control the middle and gaps in the run game and he is a player that must be accounted for in pass-rush situations.
In addition to the edge rushers benefitting from Clark’s return, a player like Kingsley Keke could take advantage of the attention paid to him. Against the Saints, Keke recorded two sacks on Brees and made a small statement. Clark’s return can help elevate his game even more.