Keisean Nixon is introducing Packers defense to Saints QB Derek Carr
The current version of the Green Bay Packers defense has never played against the Las Vegas Raiders under Joe Barry. Therefore, there isn't a whole lot to know about New Orleans Saints QB Derek Carr in terms of actually going up against him in a game. But, the Packers may have a guy in All-Pro […]
The current version of the Green Bay Packers defense has never played against the Las Vegas Raiders under Joe Barry. Therefore, there isn't a whole lot to know about New Orleans Saints QB Derek Carr in terms of actually going up against him in a game.
But, the Packers may have a guy in All-Pro Keisean Nixon that can help with that.
Nixon was Carr's teammate for three years with the Raiders and even though he was mostly a special teams player, he was listed as a DB on the Raiders roster and he logged a little more than 270 snaps on defense during his three years with the team. Meaning, he definitely got to know some of Carr's tendencies and mindset when it comes to operating an offense and what he likes to do on the field.
"Yeah, we talked to them about it," Nixon said when asked if he provided some sort of "scouting report" on Carr. "Derek Carr's a really good player. I played with him for three years. [He's a] hell of a leader [and a] hell of a player."
When asked if Nixon ever picked him off in practice, "a few times" was the answer.
Carr's stats aren't Pro Bowl-worthy or hell, they don't even appear to be starter-worthy on the surface, but they don't tell the full story. He's engineered some big plays in clutch moments and said plays are key factors in the Saints' 2-0 start. The Packers have to make sure they limit those types of plays on Sunday if they want to win.
"They've got multiple players and then [tight end Juwan] Johnson," Packers head coach Matt LaFleur told reporters earlier in the week. "They have a lot of guys. I think Carr can sling it. He's been doing it for years, and he's gonna give his guys opportunity. So [they] definitely have a lot of explosive pieces [and] we need to make sure that we limit those explosive attempts."
Per Pro Football Focus, Carr currently leads the NFL with 15 throws of 20+ air yards (not counting Thursday night's San Francisco 49ers-New York Giants matchup) through two weeks of play. He's completed 46.7% of those passes for 215 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. The completion percentage is sixth-best among QBs with at least seven attempts of 20+ air yards and the passing yardage leads all NFL QBs, regardless of the amount of pass attempts.
Carr also leads the NFL with seven first downs generated off these throws. That means 18.4% of the Saints' first downs have come off deep throws, which is a pretty high number.
If the Packers can shut down the Saints' big-play attack, there's a good chance they can force them into turnovers through added downs and distances. Chunk plays help offenses limit their chances of mistakes, so it'd be a major help if Joe Barry and co. can limit the Saints.
The good part about that is the Packers defense definitely has the horses in the secondary to make it happen, but it also won't be easy. But hey, nothing in the NFL comes easy, right?
Featured image via Dan Powers-USA TODAY Sports
