Green Bay Packers: 5 Toughest matchups for Jaire Alexander in 2019
By Joe Kipp
3. Keenan Allen, Week 9
Some call him the best route-runner in the entire NFL. Los Angeles Chargers receiver Keenan Allen has been an underrated player for a few years now, likely thanks to a couple lost seasons due to injuries. Alexander has never faced Allen before, which makes this matchup even more exciting.
The No. 1 target for Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers, Allen is a target machine. Last year alone, Allen saw 136 targets from Rivers. The previous season, he saw a career-high 159 targets. Allen finished last year with 97 receptions for 1,196 yards and six touchdowns. Needless to say, Allen has been Rivers’ go-to guy the past few seasons.
Though not necessarily fast, Allen is quick and intelligent. He knows exactly how to use his body in space and where to sit down in a vacant zone. He isn’t a deep threat by any means, but his ability to run short and intermediate routes may be second to none.
Alexander will need to be on his best game against the Chargers, especially with other redzone threats like receiver Mike Williams and tight end Hunter Henry. Having other marquee players to cover means Alexander should see plenty of one-on-one matchups against Allen.