It’s no exaggeration to say that the New York Giants’ 23-16 upset victory over the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 9 could have gone very differently without safety Xavier McKinney.
The NFL also thinks McKinney deserves recognition as the league announced Wednesday that he has been named the NFC Defensive Player of the Week for his performance against the Raiders.
The Giants’ defense recorded three turnovers in Sunday’s win and McKinney was responsible for two. The second-year safety recorded two interceptions, including a pick six, in the second half. Just 1:32 into the third quarter, McKinney intercepted Derek Carr’s pass intended for Hunter Renfrow and returned it 41 yards down the sideline for a touchdown.