Packers: Keisean Nixon makes PFF’s third-quarter All-Pro team

Watching Keisean Nixon return kicks for the Green Bay Packers in recent weeks, it’s hard to believe the job wasn’t his sooner.

Nixon replaced Amari Rodgers as the Packers’ kick returner, and he has been outstanding.

He has played so well, in fact, that he has been named to the Pro Football Focus third-quarter All-Pro team.

Considering all of the Packers’ special teams issues in recent years, it’s impressive to see how quickly Nixon has made kick returns a strength for this team.

He was named the first-team return specialist in PFF’s team.

“He hasn’t been rewarded with a return touchdown yet, but Green Bay’s Keisean Nixon seems to be on the cusp of it almost every time he touches the football,” wrote PFF’s Sam Monson.

He’s absolutely right.

In the past two games, Nixon has made kick returns of 53, 52, 38, and 35 yards. It may only be a matter of time before he takes one all the way for a touchdown.

Nixon has been a great signing for the Packers this season. He played for the Las Vegas Raiders under current Packers special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia before signing with Green Bay in the spring.

Bisaccia knew Nixon could help turn things around for Green Bay on special teams, and that’s exactly what he has done.

And his play on kick returns could be crucial in the final four games of the season.

While Green Bay will be expected to win games against the Los Angeles Rams and Detroit Lions, both at Lambeau Field, there are also challenging matchups with the Miami Dolphins and Minnesota Vikings to come.

If Nixon can return a kick to the house, it could prove to be a game-changing moment. Who knows? Maybe it could help Green Bay run the table and make a surprise playoff run.

Making Nixon the full-time kick returner was a great move. He has been outstanding in the role.