Packers DB Xavier McKinney has a special motivation to play the Bears because of something DJ Moore said in the offseason
Safety Xavier McKinney is one of the Green Bay Packers' premier pieces. After he signed a four-year, $67 million contract back in March, though, not everybody was aware of how impactful the former New York Giant could be. Based on what McKinney himself said this week, one of those unaware of his play was Chicago […]
Safety Xavier McKinney is one of the Green Bay Packers' premier pieces. After he signed a four-year, $67 million contract back in March, though, not everybody was aware of how impactful the former New York Giant could be. Based on what McKinney himself said this week, one of those unaware of his play was Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore, and that fact can bring another spicy aspect for the rivalry game on Sunday.
"They were asking him about the Packers getting me and he said, ‘Who?’” McKinney mentioned. "All that stuff is in my memory bank, and I work accordingly."
McKinney's motivation has impressed everyone around Green Bay. Coaches praise him for the willingness to watch film and to get better every day. The results are obvious. This season, McKinney has six interceptions, a sack, five stops, and has allowed a 50.3 passer rating when targeted.
"I don't give a damn what he knows. I've been playing (NFL) football five years now, and I've been watching football for longer than that," McKinney added.
On Thursday, DJ Moore was asked by Chicago media what he thinks about it, not adding much to the debate.
"Trash talk is trash talk," Moore pointed out. "We'll see on Sunday what it all plays out to be."
The Bears' primary receiver has not been as productive as he was in 2023. Through the first nine games, he had 40 catches for 398 yards and three touchdowns — on pace for 751 yards in 2024. Last season, his first with the Bears, he had 1,364 receiving yards. Moore has an 84.0 passer rating when targeted.
The best
McKinney is the perfect piece for what defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley wants to run schematically. The Packers now have a single-high heavy style, and McKinney is the centerfielder to make everything fluid and viable.
To make that happen, the work he puts in is the big difference, beyond the physical talent.
“Just his study habits,” Jeff Hafley revealed. “Last night (Wednesday), I got a text from him, probably 6:30, it says ‘Hey, are you done with the third-down plan? Can you send it to me?’ And I sent it to him. And this morning, he comes in before anybody else, and he wants to go over it with me. He goes over with our D and DBs. And he does it in the walkthrough, he does it on the field, because he wants to get it right, right away. And he gets angry when he doesn’t. Because that’s what the great ones do. He holds himself to such a high standard where he doesn’t want to make mistakes.”
Xavier McKinney doesn’t need DJ Moore to know who he is. But he’s on path to make sure that the entire NFL is aware of how important he is to the Packers.
5 bold predictions for the Packers in the second half of the 2024 season
Green Bay needs four wins to virtually clinch a playoff spot
