Tag: Xavier McKinney

Packers’ Xavier McKinney questioning D.J. Moore’s character is just cruelly kicking the Bears while they’re down

Everything Xavier McKinney said is true because the Bears are hopeless.

Amid a catastrophic three-game losing streak, nothing is going well for the crumbling Chicago Bears right now. They haven’t scored a touchdown since before Halloween, head coach Matt Eberflus’ seat is hotter than ever, and there were questions about potentially benching No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams.

In other words, things couldn’t possibly be worse for a Bears team that looked like an NFC playoff dark horse just three weeks ago.

Enter Green Bay Packers safety Xavier McKinney to kick the Bears while they’re down.

In an interview with The Athletic’s Matt Schneidman, McKinney took aim at Bears No. 1 receiver D.J. Moore’s questionable effort on a scramble drill play during a blowout loss to the Arizona Cardinals earlier this season. He didn’t appreciate Moore brushing him off in the offseason and saw fit to rip the Bears’ apparent No. 1 receiver for quitting in the middle of a play as the Packers get ready for Chicago this Sunday.

Honestly, is McKinney wrong? What are we doing here? I get the current NFL interception leader felt (rightfully) disrespected, but he says these kinds of things as if the Bears don’t have enough problems in themselves.

More from The Athletic:

“I hope so, but I don’t give a damn about what he knows,” McKinney said about Moore’s dismissive offseason comments. “This dude walked out on … I’ve been playing (NFL) football for five years now, and I’ve been watching football for longer than that, and I don’t think I’ve ever seen a … You’re supposed to be the guy, and you’re just walking off the field. You’re walking off the field on a rookie quarterback that you’ve been praising, so it’s like, that’s a whole other story.”
You know what really stings about McKinney calling Moore’s character into question? Knowing the Bears won’t do anything about it. Not one modicum of fight. There isn’t a single player on Chicago’s active roster that has beaten the Packers as a Bear. The Bears also haven’t beaten Green Bay once this decade. Most of the time, the games in this “rivalry” lately resemble a glorified scrimmage for the Packers.
The Bears are already in the NFL’s dark abyss by their own doing. Nothing some Packers veteran says will do anything to make their suffering or frustration any worse.

Green Bay Packers’ Xavier McKinney named NFC Defensive Player of the Month

Former Alabama safety Xavier McKinney named Defensive Player of the Month in the NFC.

The Green Bay Packers quietly landed one of the best free agents this off-season in former Alabama Crimson Tide Safety Xavier McKinney. McKinney spent the first four years of his professional career with the New York Giants after being selected No. 36 overall in the second round of the 2020 NFL draft.

Over his four years with the Giants, McKinney was incredibly productive and was just one of two defenders in 2023 not to miss a snap all season, so losing him this off-season was a massive blow. The Packers signed him to a four-year $67 million deal this off-season, and so far, they have gotten their money’s worth.

McKinney has continued to ball out as he was just recognized as the NFC’s Defensive Player of the Month for October. Through eight games, McKinney has posted a staggering 36 tackles, one sack, one fumble recovery and six interceptions and appears to be on his way to a Pro Bowl selection.

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Packers S Xavier McKinney named NFC Defensive Player of the Month for October

The NFC’s Defensive Player of the Month for October 2024 is Packers safety Xavier McKinney.

The NFL’s leader in interceptions through eight weeks has been awarded a top monthly honor. Green Bay Packers safety Xavier McKinney — who has six interceptions in eight games — was named the NFC’s Defensive Player of the Month for October 2024.

McKinney intercepted two passes, recovered a fumble and had a third-down sack over four October games — all Packers wins. He intercepted Matthew Stafford on Oct. 6 and Trevor Lawrence on Oct. 27 to bookend the month with takeaways. He also broke up a Stafford pass and recovered a fumble in Green Bay’s win over the Los Angeles Rams — a performance that earned him NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors.

McKinney was tied for fourth among all players in interceptions in October.

McKinney became the first Packers player to be named NFC Defensive Player of the Month since linebacker De’Vondre Campbell in October of 2021. That season, Campbell was named a first-team All-Pro. McKinney is well on his way to a similar honor, and possibly more. At the season’s midway point, McKinney has to be on the shortlist of NFL Defensive Player of the Year candidates.

McKinney, a free agent addition from the New York Giants, had an interception in all four September games. Per the NFL, McKinney is just the sixth player since 2000 with an interception in six of a team’s first eight games to start a season.

McKinney is the first Packers safety to earn an NFC Defensive Player of the Month award since Atari Bigby in December of 2007.

A pair of NFC Players of the Month will face off Sunday at Lambeau Field. It’ll be McKinney, the NFC’s Defensive Player of the Month for October, against Lions quarterback Jared Goff, the NFC’s Offensive Player of the Month for October. Goff was nearly perfect over four games in October. Both the Packers and Lions went undefeated during the month.

Key matchups for Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Green Bay Packers

Key matchups for Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Green Bay Packers

There is no rest for the weary as the Jacksonville Jaguars return home from their trip to London to take on Green Bay. Momentum is on their side following one of their best victories in over a year against the New England Patriots, 32-16. 

Jacksonville looks to build upon last week’s impressive offensive showing. Seven games into the regular season, the Jaguars may have found their identity on both sides of the ball and they will be put to the test against a well-rounded Packers team that has won five games while losing only two by a combined seven points

Jaguars Wire takes a closer look at this week’s key matchups for the Jaguars against the Packers in Jacksonville below.

Jaguars defense vs. Packers QB Jordan Love

The Jaguars’ defense is still an issue, especially in pass coverage and their lack of diversity outside of Cover 1 and Cover 2 defenses. However, it seems the unit found its calling card in getting pressure on the quarterback.

Edge rushers Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker have been excellent, with both finding a way to the quarterback consistently. That could pose an issue for the Packers, who rank 26th in time to throw at a 2.68-second average. 

Green Bay quarterback Jordan Love’s passer rating has dipped when pressured at 61.8 compared to his 114.3 passer rating when he isn’t. His EPA total (+38.4) and yard per attempt (9.3) take a nose-dive when blitzed to a -36.4 EPA and just under five yards per attempt, according to Next Gen Stats.

It is paramount that Jacksonville has success attacking the quarterback. The Jaguars’ rush flashed against a horrible Patriots offensive line and could find similar success this week in front of their home crowd.

It helps that Arik Armstead has begun to see more snaps at defensive tackle, which was noticeable a week ago with some of the interior pressure.

Should the Jaguars blitz at their highest rate since their blowout loss on Monday Night Football against Buffalo (31.4%), it will be crucial in a potential victory.

Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence vs. Packers defense

It’s been hard not to notice Trevor Lawrence’s improved play in the last three weeks. His 17-game average from those three games would have the former No. 1 overall selection shattering his single-season passing yards and touchdowns, according to Pro Football Reference.

A reason for his improved play leads back to an increase in play-action used by offensive coordinator Press Taylor and a new-found rushing attack led by second-year running back Tank Bigsby. Lawrence is finding answers against pressure, playing with better anticipation, and showcasing more composure and poise in the pocket. 

Play-action is one of the Achilles heels for the Packers’ defense. Per Next Gen Stats, their 50 percent success rate against this passing concept is the eighth-worst in the NFL.

This is a positive sign for Jacksonville’s passing game although it may run into an issue throwing against two quality safeties in Xavier McKinney and Evan Williams. Each ranks in the top five in coverage success rate among safeties. McKinney has been a ball-hawk with a league-leading five interceptions on the season. 

It won’t be easy attacking this secondary but the Jaguars have shown they are not afraid to test defenses in the vertical thirds and post. 

Packers rushing attack vs. Jaguars run defense

This might be the game’s best matchup. Jacksonville’s run defense has shown improvement and is currently ranked sixth in football with 102.6 rushing yards allowed per game. Now, the Jaguars face one of their toughest challenges in slowing down Packers running back Josh Jacobs, one of the league leaders in rushing yards and yards after contact.

Walker and Hines-Allen will be key in setting the edge and have been sound in this area; the Jaguars have allowed the fifth-fewest yards outside the tackles and rank sixth in EPA allowed per rushing attempt. Armstead will be a factor against Jacobs, who is one of the best at making first and second-level defenders miss in space. 

Tackling in space will be important in that regard and the Jaguars are fifth in the NFL in rushing yards after contact allowed per attempt. They have defenders who can make stops and bring the ball carrier down at first contact. Yet, this will be their toughest test against one of the league’s best rushers.

If Jacksonville were to slow down Jacobs and tackle in space consistently against him, the path to victory would be much easier to navigate. 

Packers S Xavier McKinney named NFC Defensive Player of the Week for Week 5

After recovering a fumble, intercepting a pass and disrupting two other passes against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium, Xavier McKinney was named the NFC Defensive Player of the Week for Week 5 of the 2024 season. 

A pair of takeaways powered an award-winning performance for Green Bay Packers safety Xavier McKinney in Week 5.

After recovering a fumble, intercepting a pass and disrupting two other passes against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium, McKinney was named the NFC Defensive Player of the Week for Week 5 of the 2024 season.

Both of McKinney’s takeaways led to touchdowns, helping the Packers erase a 13-10 halftime deficit and take a commanding 24-13 lead in the second half of Sunday’s win over the Rams.

McKinney has become a football magnet. He was in the right place at the right time to recover a fumble forced by Kingsley Enagbare, halting the Rams’ first drive of the third quarter. One possession later, he ranged to his right to intercept Matthew Stafford’s pressured overthrow.

In the first half, McKinney hit Tutu Atwell on a deep crosser and forced an incompletion. After his first interception, McKinney nearly had another on an errant pass from Stafford in the fourth quarter.

McKinney now has an NFL-high five interceptions and six takeaways through five weeks. Dating back to last season, McKinney has an interception in six straight games.

McKinney is the first Packers defender to win the award since cornerback Rasul Douglas during Week 12 of the 2021 season. McKinney previously won NFC Defensive Player of the Week after intercepting two passes against the Las Vegas Raiders during Week 9 of the 2021 season.

The Packers signed McKinney to a four-year, $67 million deal in free agency after his rookie deal with the New York Giants — who drafted him in the second round of the 2020 draft — expired.

Packers S Xavier McKinney intercepts pass in fifth straight game to start 2024

Packers S Xavier McKinney is now 5-for-5 on games with interceptions after picking off Matthew Stafford on Sunday.

Green Bay Packers safety Xavier McKinney made it 5-for-5 to start the 2024 season on Sunday. One drive after he recovered a fumble, McKinney produced his fifth interception of the 2024 season on a deep throw from Matthew Stafford on 3rd-and-10.

McKinney, a free-agent addition from the New York Giants, now has an interception in each of his first five games with the Packers – setting the team record once again after he broke it last week.

On third down, a pressure from Karl Brooks in Stafford’s face forced an errant throw downfield, and McKinney was in perfect position to make the catch.

Here’s the interception:

Previously, McKinney intercepted Jalen Hurts, Anthony Richardson, Will Levis and Sam Darnold during the first four weeks. He made it 5-for-5 against Stafford on Sunday at SoFi Stadium.

According to Wes Hodkiewicz of the team’s official site, McKinney is the first NFL player since 1970 to have an interception in each of his first five games with a team.

The Packers now have an NFL-high 14 takeaways, and McKinney is responsible for six of the 14.

McKinney’s two takeaways in the third quarter set up a pair of Tucker Kraft touchdowns. The Packers, who trailed 13-7 after a Jordan Love pick-six, now lead 24-13 after scoring 17 straight points.

Xavier McKinney makes Packers history with interception vs. Vikings

Xavier McKinney became the first Packers player to have an interception in his first four games with the franchise.

Green Bay Packers safety Xavier McKinney intercepted Sam Darnold on Sunday at Lambeau Field and became the first player in franchise history with an interception in each of his first four games with the team.

McKinney, the team’s prized free agent acquisition, has intercepted Jalen Hurts, Anthony Richardson, Will Levis and now Darnold during the Packers’ first four games.

On Sunday, McKinney ranged to his right and picked off Darnold’s attempt for Aaron Jones near the goal line. The play was review and upheld on replay.

Here is the latest interception from McKinney:

https://twitter.com/packers/status/1840469413989867581

The interception prevented a prime scoring opportunity for the Vikings in the third quarter.

McKinney has four interceptions in four games, putting him on pace for 17. The team record is 10 interceptions in a single season.

McKinney, a second-round pick in 2020, left the New York Giants to sign a four-year, $67 million deal with the Packers in March.

Packers highlight: Xavier McKinney intercepts Jalen Hurts to open Week 1

The Packers got an interception from new safety Xavier McKinney on the first defensive series of the 2024 season.

The Green Bay Packers wanted better safety play and more turnovers in 2024, so general manager Brian Gutekunst signed Xavier McKinney and coach Matt LaFleur hired defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley.

It took all of three plays into the 2024 regular season for the Packers to see the benefit.

McKinney intercepted Philadelphia Eagles safety Jalen Hurts on third down of the defense’s opening series of Friday night’s showdown in Brazil.

Hurts was attempting to throw deep down the seam, but McKinney ranged to his left to make the interception on 3rd-and-15.

Here’s the pick:

The takeaway set up a field goal from Brayden Narveson to give the Packers a 3-0 lead in the first quarter. It was Narveson’s first career field goal in the NFL.

The Packers had only seven interceptions last season, including zero from safeties during the regular season. Hafley’s defense is designed for disruption and takeaways. So far, so good.

Jaire Alexander, Xavier McKinney both land in top 10 of ESPN’s positional rankings

Packers CB Jaire Alexander and S Xavier McKinney could emerge as one of the NFL’s best cornerback-safety duos in 2024.

Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander and safety Xavier McKinney both landed in the top 10 of annual ESPN’s positional rankings, which are voted on by coaches, scouts and executives around the league.

Alexander, a potential lockdown perimeter cornerback, and McKinney, a versatile safety coming off his best professional season, are the foundational pieces of the Packers secondary under new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley. If Alexander bounces back and McKinney keeps ascending, the pair could rank among the best cornerback-safety duos in football in 2024 and beyond.

Alexander, a two-time All-Pro coming off a disappointing 2023 season that featured injuries and a bizarre suspension, ranked No. 7 among cornerbacks — a drop of three spots from last year.

Alexander’s highest ranking among evaluators was fourth. He got dinged for missing 10 games last season, but one executive credited Alexander for always matching up well against Justin Jefferson. The 2018 first-round pick showed up rejuvenated during the offseason workout program, potentially laying the groundwork for a return to elite status in 2024. Against a schedule loaded with top receivers, the Packers need Alexander to be a top player every week.

McKinney, who signed a $68 million deal to join the Packers this offseason, came in at No. 10 among safeties.

One personnel evaluator saw McKinney as a “versatile” safety who developed into a well-rounded safety with the New York Giants. His highest ranking was fourth. Another coordinator said McKinney “doesn’t scare you” while game-planning against him as a safety.

After a Pro Bowl-caliber season in 2023, McKinney will arrive in Green Bay as a potentially perfect safety in Hafley’s scheme. He can play deep as a single-high safety or down in the slot, and he’s both a sure tackler and a playmaker on the football.

In a league dominated by elite quarterbacks, defenses need elite players in the secondary to be great. The Packers could have two in Alexander and McKinney. If operating at the height of their powers, they could power drastic improvement in Year 1 of Hafley’s scheme in Green Bay.

Javon Bullard’s versatility could define the Packers’ new safety group

The Packers have three new safeties who can play all over the field, and rookie Javon Bullard’s versatility might be the most impressive.

If you’re going to be a high-ticket safety in today’s NFL, you have two realistic choices: You can either cover the deep third at an Ed Reed or Earl Thomas level, or you’d better be able to play multiple positions to an exceedingly high standard.

The 2023 Green Bay Packers had neither of those types of players in their defense, which is why they were as aggressive as any team at redefining their safety group this offseason. First, they gave former New York Giants star Xavier McKinney a four-year, $67 million contract with $23 million guaranteed. Then, they selected three more safeties in the draft — Georgia’s Javon Bullard with the 58th overall pick in the second round, Oregon’s Evan Williams with the 111th overall pick in the fourth round, and Oregon State’s Kitan Oladapo with the 169th overall pick in the fifth round.

All of those safeties are capable of playing multiple positions, which makes them valuable additions for new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley. But when it comes to effective season-to-season plug-and-play deployment, it’s tough to beat what Bullard was able to do in Kirby Smart’s defenses in 2022 and 2023.

In 2022, Bullard was primarily a slot defender — he lined up there on 510 of his snaps, with 64 snaps in the box, 20 in the slot, and just 12 at free safety.

In 2023, Bullard’s profile flipped completely. That’s when he played 362 snaps in the deep third, 144 in the slot, 80 in the box, and just three on the line. Smart needed Bullard to dominate at a key position he’d rarely played before, and that’s exactly when Bullard did. Last season, he allowed 14 catches on 26 targets for 119 yards, 68 yards after the catch, no touchdowns, two interceptions, five pass breakups, and an opponent passer rating of 34.0. Among FBS safeties playing at least 50% of their defenses’ snaps, that ranked sixth-lowest.

On both single-high and two-deep reps, Bullard immediately displayed many of the traits you want in that type of player — from the understanding of route concepts, to the range to work from the middle of the field to the boundary.

Bullard wasn’t just great deep; he was also just fine in the slot to safety transition.

Hafley tried hard to recruit Bullard when Hafley was Boston College’s head coach (as did new Packers passing game coordinator Derrick Ansley when Ansley was at Tennessee), but it’s safe to say that Hafley is more than happy to have Bullard now.

“Just loved his tape,” Hafley said of Bullard after the pick was made and rookie minicamp was underway. “Loved the way he played. He’s a physical guy. He can run, he can cover, he can play deep, he can play in the slot, he can blitz. He’s bigger when you see him.

“He’s a sharp guy. His ability to learn and process in those two days [of rookie minicamp] was impressive. You get a guy who can play that fast and can take what he learned in the meeting room and bring it out to the field, and he’s got a chance.”

Ansley agreed.

“Javon was a corner originally coming out of high school, very versatile. He was really tough then and he’s tough now. He’s just got a phenomenal skill set. He can do a lot of different things. He’s smart, can pick it up quickly, very instinctive, and when he gets to the point of contact, he gets there with a chip on his shoulder.”

So now, the Packers have three field-roaming safeties where before, it could be credibly argued that they were short just that many before. And Bullard could be the leader of the group over time. Doing what he’s already done — completely reversing coverage archetypes from one season to another for one of the best college defenses of the last few decades — tends to indicate an impressive NFL future.