Green Bay Packers: 5 Standouts vs. Vikings in Week 2
By Joe Kipp
2. Jaire Alexander, CB
Time to start talking about Jaire Alexander as one of the premier cornerbacks in the NFL. A first-round pick in 2018, Alexander had an up and down rookie season, playing in only 13 games. He’s looked the part so far this season and was one of the Packers’ best players in Sunday’s win over the Vikings.
Alexander played a huge part in limiting quarterback Kirk Cousins and the Vikings’ passing attack. Both Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen saw plenty of Alexander, with both mostly being held in check. Alexander broke up at least two passes against Diggs and had another pass breakup in the flat to fullback C.J. Ham. By my count, he had five pass breakups total.
After the game, Alexander had no shortage of confidence, either.
"“We putting everybody on notice. This is a really good defense, really good secondary,” Alexander said via The Athletic (subscription required). “Kevin King, he’s balling. He’s hot right now. … Me and him, best tandem in the league, I feel like. Go watch the play-by-play.”"
Alexander is playing with swagger and confidence (and maybe a little trash talk) and is arguably the Packers’ most important member on defense at the moment. His ability in man-to-man coverage is outstanding, and even when he loses initially, his recovery speed to make up lost ground is impeccable.