It only took 3 games for Packers fans to hit the panic button on Kenny Clark
Almost everything went right for the Green Bay Packers' defense over the past two weeks. They recorded nine sacks and six takeaways and allowed just 24 points in victories over the Indianapolis Colts and Tennessee Titans.
Devonte Wyatt, Kingsley Enagbare, Xavier McKinney, and Jaire Alexander were among the several Packers defenders who made an impact.
If there's one concern, it's with the surprisingly poor play from three-time Pro Bowler Kenny Clark.
After signing a three-year extension in the offseason, Clark's disappointing start is unexpected. According to Pro Football Focus, Clark has yet to register a single sack or pressure through the opening three games, which is surprising, considering how dominant the pass rush was in Week 3. Clark has an awful PFF grade of 37.9.
He has struggled to make an impact so far this season, but it's not time for Packers fans to panic.
Packers fans shouldn't panic about Kenny Clark's slow start to 2024
Many Packers fans are concerned, but it's not time to panic.
I was in the minority wanting to take a wait & see approach with Kenny Clark entering his final year on his 2nd contract in a new scheme.
— Ken - Packers Cap (@KenIngalls) September 23, 2024
Instead, the Packers gave Kenny Clark a $12M raise to play football this year via a 3-year extension in July.
Let's hope Kenny turns around. https://t.co/9QVGr4NvSU
Clark hasn't made the start to the season he would've hoped for, but if there's one player on the entire defense not to worry about, it's him. He will get it figured out. It's important to remember that Clark is adjusting to a new scheme with a different responsibility than he's used to.
The former first-round pick gets the perfect opportunity to make an impact in Week 4 against the Minnesota Vikings.
More Packers
manual
Clark has given Vikings center Garrett Bradbury all sorts of problems in the past. In the two games against Minnesota last season, Clark made one sack, one quarterback hit, and seven hurries. Bradbury earned his worst PFF grade of the season in Week 17 against Green Bay and his fourth-worst in the Week 8 meeting.
According to PFF, Bradbury has allowed 10 pressures in the Vikings' opening three games in 2024. Only one center has allowed more.
If ever there were a get-right game, this is it.
Clark didn't become a bad player overnight. He is coming off arguably the best season of his career, making his third Pro Bowl. He hasn't made the start everyone expected, but it's not that surprising as he adjusts to a new scheme. Jeff Hafley's system should allow him to make an even greater impact as a pass rusher. Clark is too talented, and Hafley is too smart not to figure it out sooner rather than later.
And it could start on Sunday against Minnesota.
More Packers news and analysis
feed