NY Giants’ Xavier McKinney named NFC Defensive Player of the Week

NY Giants safety Xavier McKinney was named NFC Defensive Player of The Week, following his two-interception performance against Derek Carr and the Raiders

Xavier McKinney had a career day, leading the NY Giants’ victory over the Las Vegas Raiders Sunday afternoon, and can add some hardware to his trophy case, for his efforts.

The Giants’ second-year safety pulled down a pair of interceptions off Raiders quarterback Derek Carr, including returning a third-quarter interception 40 yards for a touchdown, and later picking off Carr a second time along the sideline in the fourth quarter.

Sunday was McKinney‘s second two-interception performance of the season, as he finished with seven total tackles, one pass breakups, and his two interceptions.

The NY Giants’ second-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, McKinney is quickly developing into one of New York’s most vital players in the secondary. Through the first nine games of the season, McKinney has produced 46 total tackles, intercepted four passes, and broken up seven more.

It’s no wonder, given his production, that McKinney has emerged as one of New York’s starting safeties, alongside Logan Ryan, playing in just under 94 percent of the NY Giants’ defensive snaps.