Packers: Less Nose Tackle for Kenny Clark Could Mean More Big Plays

Over the years, Kenny Clark has developed into one of the better interior defenders in the game of football, and with that came a very well-deserved contract extension last August. But as good as he’s been, it would appear that the Green Bay Packers are still trying to find ways to put him in a position to make an even bigger impact–which, if you’re an opposing offense, is a bit scary to think about.

In the Mike Pettine defense, Clark was frequently asked to line up in the A-gap or as the nose tackle. There’s obviously more to it than this, but two of the big responsibilities that come with being a nose tackle in this defense are taking up space and occupying multiple defenders, which should help create opportunities for the edge rushers and linebackers to make plays. Typically, this isn’t a position that fills the stat sheet, but Clark is just so good, we saw him still do that.

Due to missing some time with an injury, Clark’s overall snaps were down in 2020, but he took 160 snaps lined up in the A-gap, according to PFF ($$). In 2019, the number of snaps there was 401, and in 2018, it was 301.

The new Joe Barry defense still utilizes a nose tackle along with two 4-tech defenders, but one little nugget that we learned from Larry McCarren in the Rock Report is that Clark was taking fewer snaps at the nose during mini-camp–and yes, I know, it’s only mini-camp, but that doesn’t mean we can’t learn anything either.

"“To the D-line, where nose tackle Kenny Clark is spending less and less on the nose. Getting a playmaker like Clark away from the constant center-guard double-teams should allow him to make even more plays.”"

As Rock mentioned, moving out to that 4-tech role will put Clark in more one-on-one situations, and with that, the opportunity to make more impact plays and do so more often–and of course, that’s never a bad thing.

The addition of rookie TJ Slaton, who stands 6’5″ – 340 pounds, may be the reason that the Green Bay Packers are afforded this flexibility with Clark.

Slaton is a true nose tackle who will take up space, occupy double-teams, and create for his teammates. Outside of Clark these past few seasons, the Packers really haven’t had anyone on the roster who could consistently fill this role—which is why I am such a big fan of the Slaton selection.

Or who knows, a new defensive system creates new opportunities, so perhaps Tyler Lancaster, who took about 21 percent of his snaps last season lined up in the A-gap, is taking additional reps there–or at least that could be the case early on.

As training camp and the preseason unfolds, we will start having a better idea of whether or not we will see more of Kenny Clark as the 4-tech defender this season. We know that wherever Clark is lined up, he is going to be a force, but the real test for Green Bay will be finding someone — Slaton, Lancaster, etc. — who can deliver as the nose tackle. Again, something that they haven’t had outside of Clark recently.

If that happens, and Clark does see more snaps away from the A-gap, then watch out.