Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander boldly stated that they have the best defense in the league in 2019. And with a 3-0 record that can be mostly credited to a revamped defense playing at an elite level, you can see where he’s coming from. Although statistically speaking, the New England Patriots may have the best defense so far through three games, the Packers defense is playing like a top five unit.
Is Alexander the catalyst behind the Packers strong defense this season? If you ask him, he might think so. Why? Let’s look at what he said before the season began.
“I see myself in the Pro Bowl. I see myself as an All-Pro. I’ve got all the confidence in the world. Last year was a great starting point for me, but this year is going to be my dog year. I’m ready to put my stamp on this.”
Watch out. Jaire-island may be in development with the way he is locking down wide receivers in his man-to-man coverage.
Week 1 vs. Chicago Bears
Alexander’s Week 1 assignment was primarily spent on the speedy slot guys Taylor Gabriel and Anthony Miller. When I went back and watched the film, I counted Alexander allowing just one reception for 15 yards on eight targets in his man-to-man coverage. Great numbers, but it is exactly what you would want from your ascending young corner who has All-Pro aspirations. Locking up below average wide receivers who have an average quarterback is easy money for Alexander.
Week 2 vs. Minnesota Vikings
Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs are, in my opinion, the best wide receiver duo in the NFL. This Week 2 matchup was a much bigger challenge for Alexander, but he was up for it. After Alexander and Kevin King took the Vikings duo out of the game, for the most part, the confidence/cockiness started coming out in postgame interviews with a big smile on his face.
“Best tandem in the league, I feel like. Go watch the play by play. We strapped them boys up.”
Alexander was logged having let up three catches for 49 yards with three pass breakups. A very good day covering some of the best the league has to offer.
“You check out my one-on-one coverage,” he said. “I was on them boys all day.”
30 seconds of @JaireAlexander being a nuisance pic.twitter.com/slHXW4MkjQ
— Zach Kruse (@zachkruse2) September 16, 2019
Week 3 vs. Denver Broncos
Do we have a Jaire-Island on our hands? Emmanuel Sanders caught two passes last Sunday for 10 yards. Both of those catches were against Packers zone coverage. In man-to-man coverage, Alexander tracked Sanders on 69% of his routes and allowed zero catches on three targets. Alexander logged seven tackles, two pass breakups, and one forced fumble/recovery. When asked if he thinks the Packers have the best defense in the NFL, Alexander replied: “Oh yeah, I know that. For a fact. Best everything. Watch the film.”
People are starting to take notice.
Packers CB Jaire Alexander is one of the best defensive players in the league. Period.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) September 22, 2019
Week 4 matchup vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Mitchell Trubisky, Kirk Cousins, and Joe Flacco all have one thing in common – they don’t exactly scare defenders. Carson Wentz, on the other hand? He flashes MVP caliber talent. If the Packers defense has one knock on them, it’s that they haven’t faced a great quarterback yet. The Packers defense has yet to allow the opposing team to score more than 16 points. The Eagles matchup on Thursday night should be a great test for the Packers defense and the young standout Jaire Alexander.
If Alexander continues to lock it down in man-to-man coverage and the Packers defense dominates again, I promise you – you will want to tune into his postgame interview. Alexander is on his way to an All-Pro year and isn’t afraid to let you know about it.