Keisean Nixon provides a jolt to Packers return teams
By Paul Bretl
Amari Rodgers’ time as a punt returner and with the Green Bay Packers is now over. In his place is Keisean Nixon, who has shown some excellent burst as a return man when called upon this season.
It’s worth noting that this is a small sample size that we are working with, but it’s easy to see that with the ball in his hands, Nixon brings playmaking ability to the punt team–something that has very much been lacking. On top of that, he’s been sound with the ball in his hands, which already makes this move a success.
Against Dallas, Nixon had two returns totaling 19 yards with a long of 13 per PFF ($$). Then versus Tennesse, he had two more return attempts and had a return of 13 and 24 yards, which put the Packers offense in terrific field position, although they were unable to capitalize.
"“He is fearless,” said head coach Matt LaFleur via Packers.com. “Whether it’s on a kickoff return or a punt, he always wants to return it.”"
That aggressiveness that LaFleur mentions is on display when Nixon has the ball in his hands. He is yet to call for a fair catch, and he’s incredibly decisive in his decision-making. That, coupled with his 4.42-second speed, has led to several chunk returns from Nixon.
In four return opportunities, Nixon already has three runs of 13 or more yards. For reference, Rodgers had three returns of at least 13 yards on 20 attempts this season. Again, it’s a small sample size, but Nixon’s 14.0 yards per return ranks as the third-best in the NFL right now.
Nixon has also been the Packers’ kick returner since Week 6. Although his 21.4 yards per return average doesn’t leap off the page, just like on punt returns, however, his playmaking ability is noticeable, as evidenced by his three returns of 30-plus yards this season. Penalties and poor blocking by a subpar kick return team have also hindered a few other big play opportunities.
"“We got a little bit of a jolt with Keisean going back there on kick-off return,” said Bisaccia."
Overall, the Packers’ special teams unit hasn’t seemed too much improved from a year ago; it’s just that the blunders are flying more under the radar, given the issues that the offense and defense are facing. However, in a season where very little has gone well, Nixon as a return man appears to be a bright spot.
Perhaps the most important thing is that in 20 kick and punt attempts, he is yet to muff or fumble a return, which is a must because this Packers team simply isn’t good enough to overcome giveaways. Nixon also provides some juice as a return man, another positive for a Green Bay offense where every yard matters.