Green Bay Packers: 5 Toughest matchups for Jaire Alexander in 2019
By Joe Kipp
4. Adam Thielen, Week 2 and 16
Minnesota Vikings receiver Adam Thielen got the better of Alexander in 2018, but Alexander will have a chance to redeem himself twice this coming season. The Packers face the Vikings in the beginning (Week 2) and end of the season (Week 16), which means we’ll get to see Thielen take on Alexander when both players’ legs are fresh, and when the fatigue of an NFL season has worn down each.
Thielen had his best season as a pro in 2018, recording 113 receptions for 1,373 yards and nine touchdowns. He was on a record-setting pace to open the season, starting with eight consecutive games of 100 or more receiving yards. Thielen racked up a combined 20 receptions for 260 yards and two touchdowns against the Packers last year.
Alexander had plenty of trouble against Thielen in 2018, especially in Week 12 at U.S. Bank Stadium. Thielen is a quick-twitched athlete with the ability to start and stop on a dime. Luckily for Alexander, he has the athleticism to keep up.
The challenge will be reading Thielen’s routes and not biting on double moves, combining athletic ability with refined technique. If Alexander can help contain Thielen, it would severely limit the Vikings offense.