The Green Bay Packers Week 10 bye has come and gone, and as we shift into the proverbial second half of their season, one player needs to step up more than ever. The defense needs someone to make a major impact and help clean up the unit’s overall inconsistency. This player, who happens to be the longest-tenured member of the defense, was recently rewarded with a big contract extension in the offseason. I’m talking about Kenny Clark.
Clark has been a pillar of consistency on Green Bay’s defensive front ever since they drafted him in the first round back in 2016 at the young age of 20. If it feels like he’s been with the Packers forever, it’s because he almost has. Green Bay rarely hands out third contracts to players unless they’re considered cornerstones, and they had no reservations about signing Clark to a three-year, $64 million deal just before training camp.
Extending Clark was one of general manager Brian Gutekunst’s most significant decisions this offseason. With such a young team and few players entering contract extension territory, Gutekunst’s key calls were extending franchise quarterback Jordan Love and deciding whether to extend Clark and give him that ever-risky third deal.
By committing to Clark for the next three years, the Packers made him one of the highest-paid interior defensive linemen in the league, saddling him with the highest cap hit on the entire team at $26.4 million for 2024. Unfortunately for Green Bay, he hasn’t delivered a strong return on investment.
Through nine games, Clark has only 20 tackles and zero sacks despite playing the most snaps among defensive linemen (69%). He has a 50.7 PPF grade, the lowest of his nine-year career. That’s a significant drop-off for a player who previously posted grades between 90 and 77 each season until 2022.
Even in 2022 and 2023, when his grades were less impressive, he remained above average, around 69. However, this year’s grade is well below his standard and league average.
When the team switched to a new scheme under defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, it looked like his defense would suit Clark’s style. That more aggressive, downhill-attacking approach seemed perfect for his power and explosiveness.
Green Bay designed its new four-man front to free Clark from the double teams he’s faced much of his career and allow him to make more plays. Instead, after finishing with 7.5 sacks last season, his current zero-sack tally after nine games is cause for concern.
The reason for this decline is somewhat mysterious. Green Bay’s pass rush has been lackluster under Hafley, especially outside of simulated pressures. The defensive line has struggled to win one-on-one matchups, and that goes beyond Clark.
Hopefully, the coaching staff took the bye week to analyze the root causes. Perhaps it’s simply players adapting to a new system and growing more comfortable. It could also come down to players like Clark needing to step up and perform to their standard. Green Bay needs this more than ever.
After trading Preston Smith to the Pittsburgh Steelers, younger edge players will likely receive increased playing time. Clark and the interior defensive linemen must generate pressure up the middle.
The defense needs to reach the quarterback more quickly; the Packers currently rank 12th in drop-back EPA allowed per play but are 30th in success rate allowed. Considering there are only 32 teams in the league, that isn’t good. Affecting the quarterback consistency is a big part of how games are won come January when the Packers hope to play their most meaningful football.
When starting up front, Clark must consistently win his matchups. If he can consistently penetrate the backfield, it will greatly benefit younger players like Lukas Van Ness, Arron Mosby, and Brenton Cox Jr. as they take on increased roles. Cox and Mosby have never been regular contributors along the defense line.
Cox played just a handful of snaps last year and has been a healthy scratch all season up to this point, and Mosby logged his first snaps in Week 9 against the Detroit Lions. The more disruptive Clark can be and the more attention he draws to himself, the better for those young players.
Disruption at the line often leads to good outcomes, resulting in a throwaway, a tackle for loss, or a turnover. The best way to achieve this is by winning up front without constantly relying on simulated pressures or extra pass rushers. That approach may work against teams like the Indianapolis Colts and Tennessee Titans but not against contenders like the Lions and San Francisco 49ers, whom the Packers must beat to be serious contenders in the competitive NFC playoff picture.
After trading Smith, the Packers will also need Clark’s veteran leadership on defense. With Smith’s departure, Eric Wilson, 30, is now the oldest player on defense, followed by Clark at 29. Wilson is a special teamer and role player on defense. As Green Bay’s longest-tenured player and a cornerstone for nearly a decade, it falls on Kenny to pick up any leadership responsibilities. When one leader leaves, another must step up.
While Clark doesn’t appear to be a vocal leader, he leads by example and has been a consistent presence for younger players on how to carry themselves as a professional on and off the football field.
“He’s a leader in our room,” said Karl Brooks. “Ever since I came in, I was watching him and taking notes and soaking everything in. He’s a leader by example.”
The Packers need Clark to set the tone with his play on the field and his leadership in the locker room during the second half to hit their stride and make it over the hump finally.