The Green Bay Packers have so many reasons to feel good about their Super Bowl chances. Jordan Love is playing some of his best football, and the passing game has become a main problem for opposing defenses. But if the squad wants to go all the way, it will need its defense to deliver, too. That's where Xavier McKinney comes in. The safety has become one of the team's most important players, and his ability to create turnovers could make a big difference.
McKinney gave the Packers an early boost against the Pats on Nov. 8. He intercepted Drake Maye's first pass of the game, helping Green Bay take control before cruising to a 45-27 win. It was a small reminder of what he brings to this defense.
Xavier McKinney's Turnovers Could Make the Difference in Green Bay's Playoff Push
A young fan cheers during Packers Family Night at Lambeau Field on Aug. 5, 2022, in Green Bay, Wis.
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The Packers don't need McKinney to intercept a pass every week. They need him to make quarterbacks uncomfortable and punish them when they make mistakes.
He showed exactly what he could do in 2024, his first season in Green Bay. McKinney picked off eight passes and earned first-team All-Pro honors. He had only two interceptions in 2025, but that didn't stop him from making the second-team All-Pro list. And above all, the champ also finished with more than 100 tackles.
His impact goes beyond those numbers. McKinney has recorded 10 interceptions in two seasons with Green Bay. More impressively, NFL Next Gen Stats noted that he had not allowed a touchdown as the nearest defender since joining the Packers in 2024.
That sort of consistency is amazing when the competition gets tougher. Against crews with dangerous passing attacks, one interception or a well-timed defensive stop can have a big impact.
Jonathan Gannon Can Make Xavier McKinney Even More Valuable
There is another reason to watch McKinney this season. Green Bay has a new defensive coordinator in Jonathan Gannon, and the safety likes what he has seen from the new scheme.
Speaking during the Packers' offseason program in 2026, McKinney said the system would allow defenders to play in different positions and show what they can do. Gannon has also praised McKinney's experience and leadership. That trust could be important as the Packers adjust to the new defense.
With Evan Williams alongside him, McKinney has a strong partner in the secondary. If the duo can keep creating problems for opposing quarterbacks, Green Bay will have another major advantage. Love and the offense are giving the Packers plenty of reasons to dream big. McKinney's job is to make sure the defense gives them a chance to finish.
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