Science Lab: Was Kenny Clark the Cowboys missing link?

The Dallas Cowboys have acquired defensive tackle Kenny Clark from the Green Bay Packers, countering rumors that he is past his prime due to a previous injury-affected season. The author believes Clark significantly upgrades the Cowboys' defensive line and could become their best nose tackle since Jay Ratliff in the early 2010s.

Clark expressed confidence in his fit with the Cowboys, emphasizing consistency, mindset, and intentional practice. Statistically, he recorded the sixth-quickest get-off time on the Cowboys' defensive front, with only defensive ends—who specialize in speed off the ball—ahead of him.

His performance is compared favorably to other top defensive tackles in the league, with film and metrics supporting his impact. Teammates Osa Odighizuwa and Chauncey Golston are also noted for their strong efforts, particularly in limiting opponents like the Eagles in the second half of games.

The addition of Clark, alongside Odighizuwa and Golston, addresses a long-standing weakness in the Cowboys' interior defensive line, forming what the author describes as a formidable unit that could transform the team's defensive capabilities.