Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley expressed he had all the confidence in the world in two-time All-Pro cornerback Keisean Nixon heading into Saturday’s wild-card playoff matchup against the Chicago Bears.
“I think he’ll play a great game. You know, I know he’s super locked in,” Hafley stated. “… Just knowing him and what he’s been through and what he’s made of, you know, 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.”
However, Nixon suffered a series of blunders on defense and special teams, and some questioned his effort on multiple plays. Nixon noticeably avoided Bears running back D’Andre Swift on one touchdown run, and he was burned in coverage in the fourth quarter, which was just the start of a night the 28-year-old CB would like to forget.
Nixon Bracing for NFL Punishment
GettyGreen Bay Packers DB Keisean Nixon
On top of his defensive miscues, Nixon was also involved in an incident that’s likely to hit him right in the wallet.
At the 6:32 mark of the third quarter, Nixon cost the Packers 15 yards when he was flagged for unnecessary roughness after he jumped on top of a pile late as several Packers players tackled rookie running back Kyle Monangai after he was stopped for a 3-yard gain.
The NFL typically fines players for egregious unnecessary roughness plays, which range from a few thousand dollars on up to $40,000 or more, and Nixon could be hit with a similar penalty.
For comparison, Philadelphia Eagles defensive back Sydney Brown was hit with a $46,371 fine in Week 18 for use of the helmet after viciously hitting Washington Commanders tight end Ben Sinnott after a 2-yard gain.
The league fined 13 players for unnecessary roughness last week.
Packers Make Big Decision on Matt LaFleur
GettyGreen Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur
While the sting of Saturday’s 31-27 loss to the a division rival in the opening round of the playoffs surely stung, the team also took had some questions to answer about the future of head coach Matt LaFleur.
Fans were calling for LaFleur’s job after the Bears’ comeback win, and with the 46-year-old entering the final year of his contract, many expected the Packers to either fire LaFleur or give him an extension.
ESPN’s Adam Schefet even speculated the team could move on from LaFleur to pursue former Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbugh — a pipe dream that was squashed on Monday afternoon by Schefter himself.
“Packers now are expected to try to work out a deal in the coming days to keep head coach Matt LaFleur in Green Bay, per sources,” Schefter reported.
LaFleur had been asked about his job status back in November, and against after Saturday’s loss, to which he’s remained tight-lipped, though he did say on Sunday he expected to speak with Packers president Ed Policy soon regarding his future.
In seven seasons with the Packers, LaFleur has a 76-40-1 record with six playoff appearances, six winning seasons, three division titles, and two NFC Championship Game appearances.
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