While things aren’t going extremely well for the Green Bay Packers through three games this season, they are 2-1 and are coming off a relatively convincing win over the Tennessee Titans on Sunday.
One reason for mild concern coming into this season was whether they would have any holes on defense, but the one man on that side of the football who has shined brightly is Xavier McKinney.
The safety has had three interceptions and has allowed an extremely low passer rating while in coverage to start the year, per Dov Kleiman.
Stud: #Packers safety Xavier McKinney through three games:
– Three interceptions
– 28.1 passer rating
– Two catches allowed on four targets for 23 yardsHe has more interceptions than catches allowed 🤯
(via @PFF) pic.twitter.com/5HeaADsXON
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) September 23, 2024
McKinney was a big free agent signing by the Packers during the offseason, and at age 26, he has been emerging as a stud over the last few years.
Last year, he had 116 total tackles (78 solo), 11 passes defended, three interceptions, two tackles for loss and two fumble recoveries.
Many had very high hopes and expectations for Green Bay coming into this season after the team’s unexpected success in 2023, and a lot of those high hopes and expectations were based on the immense potential the team has on offense.
McKinney has helped patch up Green Bay’s secondary, and with him holding things down in the defensive backfield, the Packers were able to sack Tennessee quarterback Will Levis a whopping eight times.
Defense will be the key for the Packers as long as QB Jordan Love continues to recover from his MCL injury, especially with the Minnesota Vikings, Los Angeles Rams and Houston Texans on their schedule over the next four weeks.
