Packers McKinney could end his ‘drought’ against Browns

By GERY WOELFEL

The talk of Titletown these days is Micah Parsons.

And rightfully so.

The dynamic veteran pass rusher has made a distinct impact since the Packers acquired him from the Dallas Cowboys.

A year ago, the talk of Titletown was Xaiver McKinney, the gifted safety whom the Packers had signed in March of 2024. McKinney’s addition was huge. He brought much needed talent and acumen to an, at best, a mediocre secondary.

McKinney made his presence felt immediately in Green Bay. He had one interception in each of the Packers’ first four games. He finished the season with eight interceptions and was duly recognized for his stellar season by being selected to the All-Pro first team.

This season, after two games, McKinney has played well. He has nine tackles, the fifth-most on the team.

Yet, he has yet to pick off a pass.

That could change Sunday, though.

The Packers take on the Browns, whose quarterback is Joe Flacco. He has already thrown three interceptions this season, which is the third-most in the league.

The 40-year-old Flacco has had a penchant for throwing interceptions throughout his lengthy NFL career. One seasons – in 2013 while playing for Baltimore – he threw more interceptions than touchdowns: 22-to-19.

So, don’t be surprised if McKinney racks up his first INT of the season Sunday and helps the Packers bury the Browns.

WHAT’S THE ODDSMAKERS ARE SAYING: Packers by 7.5 points.

GW’s PREDICTION: Packers 34, Browns 17.