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Kenny Clark Explains How Defense Can Turn The Season Around
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- Kenny Clark Explains How Defense Can Turn The Season Around
The Dallas Cowboys are searching for answers after falling to 2-4, and defensive tackle Kenny Clark believes the path forward starts with individual accountability and more consistent execution.
After losing to the Green Bay Packers 23-13, despite limiting their rushing attack and generating pressure on quarterback Jordan Love. With the Philadelphia Eagles next on the schedule, Clark believes the Cowboys must build on those positives while correcting the mistakes that continue to cost them.
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Kenny Clark calls for accountability
Clark admitted the Cowboys' disappointing start was unexpected, but emphasized that the team must concentrate on improving rather than dwelling on its record.
"It's definitely surprising," Clark said. "You never go into a season expecting yourself to be 2-4, but it is what it is. We put that on tape. All we can do now moving forward is worry about today and improving."
The veteran defensive tackle also acknowledged that he needs to demand more from himself as the team works to become more consistent.
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"I've been telling myself I want more for myself, I got to give more," Clark said. "It's just that. We all got to give more."
Clark's message reflects the challenge facing Dallas' defense. The unit has shown flashes of its potential, but those performances have not consistently translated into victories.
Cowboys find success against the run
Despite the loss to Green Bay, Dallas held the Packers to just 57 rushing yards on 26 carries. Clark credited the defensive front's ability to establish itself against the run and create more favorable situations for the pass rush.
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"I think it all started right there with the run game, stopping that," Clark said. "Getting them in longer passing situations. And then it's all about getting them off the field on third down."
The Cowboys struggled to finish defensive possessions, however. Green Bay converted nine of its first 10 third-down opportunities in the first half, putting additional pressure on Dallas to find answers.
Clark believes those issues are correctable and that improved coordination between the pass rush and coverage can help the defense become more effective.
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"It's all stuff that we can fix," Clark said. "It's all stuff that, nothing like the opponent did, it's stuff that we inflicted on ourselves."
Kenny Clark wants Cowboys to build on pass-rush progress
Dallas recorded three sacks and generated 20 pressures against Love, producing a 45.5% pressure rate. According to the team's report, that was the Cowboys' highest pressure rate of the season.
Clark believes the defensive line can continue improving by playing aggressively and trusting its teammates.
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"But we just got guys that can just go, and we can play off each other and just trust that if a guy make a move, we can cover him up and just play fast," Clark said.
The next step is turning that pressure into more sacks and third-down stops. With Philadelphia approaching, Clark knows the defense must deliver a more complete performance if Dallas hopes to change its early-season trajectory.
This story was originally published by Athlon on Oct 21, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
