The safety room for the Green Bay Packers looks entirely different from the 2023 season. The chemistry being built this year cannot be ignored.
The biggest addition to the Packers safety room was the signing of Xavier McKinney in the offseason. The former Giants safety was signed by Green Bay to a 67-million-dollar deal. This has arguably been the most impactful signing by Brian Gutekunst that Green Bay has seen in quite some time.
The performances by McKinney have been outstanding as he has snagged an interception in every game for Green Bay this season. In fact, he has gone six games straight with an interception dating back to last season.
So why did the New York Giants let such an impactful player walk? Who knows, but Green Bay will gladly hang onto him. The Packers have arguably not had a more impactful player at safety since Nick Collins. “We all knew he was a good player, but I think the way he’s going out there and playing and getting these takeaways every game, I think no one could see it coming” said Packers quarterback Jordan Love.
Xavier McKinney’s most recent performance against the Los Angeles Rams was one to remember. McKinney always seems to find himself in the right place at the right time, as he not only intercepted Matthew Stafford, but he also recovered a fumble.
Because of this outstanding performance, McKinney was named the NFC Defensive Player of the Week for week 5. According to PFF, McKinney has earned himself a PFF grade of 90.8 which ranks 1st among all defensive backs. His presence has most definitely had a positive impact on rookies Javon Bullard and Evan Williams.
It seems the emergence of Bullard and Williams will allow Jeff Hafley, the Packers defensive coordinator, to get more creative as the season goes on. With the absence of Jaire Alexander in the Packers last game against the Rams, Hafley slid Bullard into the slot and allowed Williams to play the most snaps he has seen in a game all season at safety.
Matthew Stafford ended the game averaging 5.8 yards per attempt. Not only that, but Evan Williams ended the Rams hopes on their final drive of the game by breaking up a pass on 4th down.
“That’s a huge moment not only to recognize the play but to stay poised. He stayed square, he was balanced, his eyes were in the right place” Hafley said. Bullard’s work in the slot was also exceptional on the day, and his physicality shined. “I think when you watch Bull, you watch how physical he is around the ball, and you just want to try to find ways to get him more involved play after play” stated Hafley.
It is evident that that trio of McKinney, Williams and Bullard worked very well together. With Evans exceling and Bullard shining in the slot, Jeff Hafley has much to think about as the Packers take on the Arizona Cardinals this week.
