7 tough matchups awaiting Russell Okung in 2020
By Dean Jones
Frank Clark (Week 9 on Carolina Panthers schedule)
The Kansas City Chiefs’ offense might have gathered all the headlines following their Super Bowl triumph. But the performance of their defense down the stretch was another big factor in them lifting the Vince Lombardi Trophy.
Russell Okung will come up against defensive end Frank Clark when the Carolina Panthers visit Arrowhead Stadium in week nine. This is another substantial task awaiting the veteran and one that will test his limits considerably.
Clark was a high-profile signing in free agency for the Chiefs in 2019. And he more than lived up to expectations. He instantly improved their defensive line and recorded eight sacks, three forced fumbles, 27 solo tackles, and four pass deflections.
The player brought the sort of winning mentality that the Chiefs’ defense was sorely lacking before his arrival. This was especially evident during the postseason, where Clark became a massive motivational presence for a unit that came up big when it mattered more.
Now that Clark is fully acclimatized to his new surroundings, a double-digit sack campaign in 2020 is a realistic target. Okung will need to be at his best to stifle the pass-rusher. And his run support is going to be equally as key given how tough it is to shift the defensive lineman from the point of attack.