The Green Bay Packers suffered one of their worst defeats over the past few years on Saturday night, when they squandered a 21-3 halftime lead to lose to the Chicago Bears 31-27.
Amongst all the negatives that came out after the game – including the future of head coach, Matt LaFleur, which now hangs in the balance – one small but critical moment came with 10 minutes to go in the fourth quarter, when D’Andre Swift ran in for a 6-yard touchdown to cut the lead to just a 5-point game, 21-16.
However, upon revisiting the footage it appears that cornerback, Keisean Nixon made a “business decision” to not attempt a big-time goal line tackle on Swift, in order to avoid risking injury.
And former All-Pro Packers legend, David Bakhtiari, had pretty critical but concise reaction to watch Nixon opting out of the tackle.
Sad.
“Saw this too.
Sad.” Bakhtiari wrote in response to Warren Sharp’s original post containing the video of the play.
Keisean Nixon Has Disappointing End To Let-Down Season
This is a tough end to the season for Keisean Nixon, who has not had the standout year either he or the team would have been expecting from their new CB1, having taken over that role in a more-or-less official capacity from All-Pro Jaire Alexander this past offseason.
Nixon allowed a perfect passer rating twice in December against opposing cornerbacks, and has had a wretched final third of the season – along with much of Green Bay’s sans-Micah Parsons defense.
Some speculated after the play that he believes he will be a free agent this offseason, and as such wanted to preserve his health for his next contract.
“This is a guy who knows he’s going to be on the street looking for a gig soon and doesn’t want to risk an injury. Seen it before.” Cheesehead TV founder, Aaron Nagler replied to the original video on X.
Where Does The Packers’ Secondary Go From Here?
It is not shocking that a defensive back unit – especially at cornerback – will see a slight dip in play when the team’s top pass rusher goes down for the season. But the rapid deterioration of the Packers’ play on the exterior of the secondary will no doubt be alarming for the team.
Carrington Valentine – currently the team’s CB2 – has also seen his play go downhill in the winter months, leading to Green Bay having a less-than-reliable duo at the position.
Free agent slot-corner acquisition, Nate Hobbs, who was originally bought in to play on the outside next to Nixon, has also failed to live up to his 4 year, $48 million deal signed last March. And he even failed to establish himself as the starter in his natural position on the inside, with versatile safety Javon Bullard currently occupying that role.
The team will no doubt look to enhance the unit in the offseason, despite the recent pickup of former Dallas Cowboys All-Pro, Trevon Diggs, just prior to Week 18.
If the Packers keep him on his current deal for next season, Diggs will count for $15 million against the salary cap in 2026.
Packers DB Called Out By All-Pro For ‘Business Decision’