Veteran defensive tackle Kenny Clark made his debut with the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday night. While the Cowboys had several chances in the second half to upset the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles, they ultimately lost 24-20, but showed positive signs in the process.
Multiple second-half drops from wideout CeeDee Lamb proved costly in the end, but it was Dallas' defense that kept it in the game, specifically Clark, who was able to neutralize Philadelphia's run game. That was even more impressive on Thursday night, considering QB Jalen Hurts accounted for more rush yards (62) than running back Saquon Barkley, who still had 60 yards and a TD.
Kenny Clark Leaves His Mark in Impressive Cowboys Debut
In total, Clark had five tackles, four of which came against the run. When he was on the field, the Cowboys only allowed 2.8 rushing yards, opposed to 6.6 yards when he was off the field. Keep in mind, Clark was acquired by Dallas when star pass-rusher Micah Parsons was traded to the Green Bay Packers on Aug. 28, which was one week before the Cowboys-Eagles season opener.
Clark essentially had less than a week to prepare once he got to Dallas and still improved the Cowboys' run defense by four yards when he was rested up. Clark didn't just excel against the run, either, as his fingerprints were all over the team's first sack of the season when he and defensive end Marshawn Kneeland sacked Hurts for a loss of eight yards early in the third quarter.
The former first-round pick of the Packers in the 2016 draft, Clark has been ferocious since he entered the league. With 238 solo tackles and 35 career sacks, including a career-high 7.5 in 2023, Clark has always made an impact on the field.
The trade for the three-time Pro Bowler and the two first-round picks in 2026 and 2027 that came with it certainly took the NFL world by storm. Last season alone, the Cowboys ranked 29th in the league in opponent rush yards per game (137.1), per TeamRankings.
It might just be one game, but Clark's ability to slow Philadelphia down, specifically in the run game, was encouraging for a franchise that desperately needed it after last season. With an offense that looked much-improved and an offensive line that did not allow a single sack, there is a lot to like from Thursday night's opener.
Aside from the dropped balls late and the team's inability to make plays when it mattered the most, Clark showcased what he can bring to the defense and why opposing teams could have a difficult time running the ball when he is on the field.