Packers defensive back Keisean Nixon made one of the most important plays of Green Bay’s season, and defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley thinks he has another one in him.
Nixon’s interception in the end zone, in the final seconds, off Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams, to secure a Green Bay victory, proved critical given the fact that the Packers lost four straight games to close out the regular season and back into the NFL Playoffs.
Jeff Hafley confident in Packers’ Keisean Nixon
Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
Entering Saturday night’s rubber match, the third game of the season between the Packers and Bears, in the NFC Wild Card round, Hafley is optimistic that Nixon can make a big impact, again.
“I think he’ll play a great game,” Hafley told reporters this week. “I know he’s super locked in. I know he was kind of a hero in that first game, and I know that meant a lot to him, especially in the rivalry, and I know he probably (would like to have) had that last play of regulation back. But that’s life as a corner in this league. But I’m excited for him. He’s a competitor. He’s a guy who’s kind of always been an underdog.
“He’s kind of always been a guy that’s had to work his way up to get where he’s been. And just knowing him and what he’s been through and what he’s made of and, if I had to put money on it, I’d say he’s going to have a pretty good game. And I believe in him, and I have total confidence in him. I’m excited for him to get back out there on that field and play again.”
In addition to his timely turnover against Williams and the Bears, Nixon has posted 58 total tackles with a career-high 17 pass breakups this season.
Green Bay’s defense has been decimated by injuries this season, but if Nixon can make a game-altering play, or secure a late interception to swing the tide, those struggles could be forgotten.
