Xavier McKinney is off to a strong start for the Green Bay Packers, recording interceptions in both games against the Philadelphia Eagles and Indianapolis Colts. He’s been physical and energetic on the back end.
Against the Eagles, McKinney earned a 76.3 PFF grade with 39 coverage snaps, allowing just 8 receiving yards and securing one interception. In the Colts game, he recorded four total tackles and forced a turnover.
He has excelled in pre-snap communication with rookie Javon Bullard, positively impacting Bullard’s early career. Bullard holds a 78.2 run defense grade and a 77.6 tackling grade. Both players consistently align well and are always in position to make plays.
McKinney is likely Green Bay’s best free-agent pickup since Julius Peppers in 2014, and the Packers’ best safety since Nick Collins. McKinney is the only safety in the league with at least 25 coverage snaps and more than one interception. He also allowed the ninth-lowest passer rating among safeties with the same snap count.
Speaking to the media, McKinney said the defense is still building confidence. Green Bay leads the NFL in interceptions after two weeks and has forced five turnovers. Once fully adapted to the playbook and scheme, this defense has a strong chance to be the best in the league.
McKinney is just getting started in Green Bay, and there’s a challenging slate of quarterbacks ahead. C.J. Stroud, Kyler Murray, Brock Purdy, and Jared Goff all come to Lambeau Field, while Matthew Stafford awaits on the road. McKinney must stay sharp and lead the secondary to handle these matchups.
Already a leader in the locker room, McKinney’s experience benefits the young safety group. His guidance to Bullard, Williams, and Oladapo is invaluable. After a weak safety room in 2023, the Packers have a chance to finish 2024 with one of the best.
