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The Green Bay Packers‘ defense has been as good as advertised this season. And while most people focus on Micah Parsons’ impact, and rightfully so, he’s not the only star on that side of the field.
As shown by Packers analyst Daire Carragher on X, Xavier McKinney has also taken a big leap. He’s now one of the best players in the league at his position.
“It’s been over 1,000 days since Xavier McKinney last allowed a touchdown in coverage, per PFF. In the meantime he has played 2,900 snaps, has 13 interceptions and is allowing a passer rating of 43.6. Nobody else in recent history has come close to a run like this,” Carragher posted on X.
It’s been over 1,000 days since Xavier McKinney last allowed a touchdown in coverage, per PFF.
In the meantime he has played 2,900 snaps, has 13 interceptions and is allowing a passer rating of 43.6.
Nobody else in recent history has come close to a run like this. pic.twitter.com/NLqt2B9s4x
— Daire Carragher (@DaireCarragher) November 22, 2025
The Packers’ offense has left plenty to be desired this season. As a result, their defense has had to do most of the heavy lifting.
The Packers would’ve won all but one of their games if they had scored at least 17 points this season. That speaks volumes about the level of dominance they’ve showcased on the defensive side of the field.
That should continue to be the case going forward. Even if Jayden Reed returns soon, the offensive line has struggled all year long, and head coach Matt LaFleur doesn’t seem to trust Jordan Love to lead the way.
As a result, this team will have to continue leaning heavily on players like McKinney. Their ‘bend, don’t break’ approach has worked wonders, and they haven’t given up on any play this season.
Some had doubts about McKinney’s improvement because he wasn’t creating as many turnovers this season. However, it takes much more to be a shutdown defensive back in the National Football League, and he’s clearly established himself as one of those guys opposing quarterbacks don’t even dare to challenge.
