The easy answer is that every single player is important for the teams success. Obviously, this is true but there’s great players and there’s players who can change a game. The Packers defense led by Joe Barry is loaded with stars, some of which are eyeing a return from injury. Who is the most important player for the defense to get the team to the Super Bowl?
Jaire Alexander and Za’Darius Smith could both come back and be the best player on the defense. Rashan Gary has been a star in his third year. Preston Smith has had an amazing bounce back year. Adrian Amos and Darnell Savage have both been great this year. Rasul Douglas has become a superstar. However, despite all these stars, the most important player for the defense in the playoffs is Kenny Clark.
Why?
Kenny Clark has missed one game this year. In that game the Packers struggled to create any real pressure on the quarterback or really disrupt the run game. Even if Za’Darius Smith comes back to boost the defense it would only be a boost. The Packers defense has proven itself without his presence, but witout Clark the unit struggles. Dallas, Tampa Bay, Arizona and Los Angeles can all punish a defense that can’t stop the run.
Kyler Murray brings a unique running threat. In their regular season matchup the Packers were able to keep him cotained for the most part. In week 15, against Tyler Huntley, Clark’s absence allowed him to use his legs at will. The Packers had faired well against running quarterbacks and the run game this year, but the game where Clark was absent they genuinely struggled. Cleveland gave the Packers trouble on the ground, but it was mostly in the second half when the offense couldn’t sustain a drive. A tired defense with Nick Chubb on the other side was a recipe for disaster.
Stats
Clark has been an absolute force this year. Clark was also named to the pro bowl, and was the only defender on the team to earn the honor. This season Clark has:
- 4.0 Sacks
- 46 Total Tackles
- 26 Solo Tackles
- 7 Tackles for a Loss
- 13 QB Hits
As a nose tackle Clark has been the most disruptive player on the Packers defense. Clark constantly draws double teams which allows Preston Smith and Rashan Gary to win their one on ones. Come playoff time every sack means even more. If Clark is giving the Packers edge rushers more one on ones that’s enought to change a game.
As Always
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