Aug 8, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Matt Cassel (16) avoids Oakland Raiders linebacker Khalil Mack (52) who is blocked by tight end Kyle Rudolph (82) but eventually gets sacked in the first quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. Vikings win 10-6. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Other Parts of His Game
Especially in the 4-3, playing outside linebacker takes a whole lot more than just rushing the passer. And Mack has every facet of playing outside linebacker down while Clowney is a pass rushing specialist at this point. You can’t run the ball to his side at all has he has remained atop the NFL in tackles for a loss all year long.
He’s even excellent in pass coverage as he has a few passes defensed as tight ends don’t really do much on him. But Clowney isn’t on that level as what little tackles for a loss he has come when he’s unblocked like the play that made him famous in college with the helmet flying. And all Clowney can do to have an impact on his team’s pass defense is rush the passer because he is a liability in coverage.