Minnesota Vikings: 3 Key matchups to watch vs. Packers in Week 2
By Joe Kipp
2. Kenny Clark vs. Brett Jones
Kenny Clark had a coming out party last season, and might even be in consideration for the Packers’ best overall player on defense as of right now. Already in his third season, the soon-to-be 23-year old is easily a top five nose tackle in the NFL, which could cause problems for an unstable Vikings’ interior line.
Minnesota traded for a new starting center, Brett Jones, to fill in while Pat Elflein nurses an ankle injury dating back to last season’s NFC Championship game. Since then, Elflein also picked up a shoulder injury, but has resumed practicing albeit in a limited capacity. Because of his absence, Jones and the rest of the interior offensive line could have problems blocking Green Bay’s stout defensive line.
Clark caused all kinds of problems for Chicago’s running game in Week 1, constantly forcing Jordan Howard to seek room on the edge. Although it doesn’t always show up on the stat sheet, Clark makes plays by constantly eating up double teams, plugging the hole, forcing runners to bounce outside and bulldozing his way into the backfield.
Jones had a tough time containing San Francisco’s DeForest Buckner — who had 2.5 sacks last week — which raises even more concern with Sunday’s matchup against Clark. Expect several double teams for Clark, which puts even more pressure on Green Bay’s edge defenders.