NFL top 5 wide receiver vs. defensive back matchups for 2022 season
NFL matchup no. 4: Jaire Alexander vs. Justin Jefferson
The Green Bay Packers’ offense has been in the spotlight of the team for quite a while now but it is a certainty that the 2022 season will be focused on the Packers’ defense.
The front office did their due diligence stacking their defensive unit over the last two seasons and it will pay dividends this season.
The defense will have to step up, especially the secondary, as the offense may struggle out of the gate.
The Packers face off against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 1 and the focus will be on cornerback Jaire Alexander (who just signed a hefty extension) and the Vikings’ star wide receiver, Justin Jefferson.
Alexander is also coming off a season of injury but in 2020 despite a loss, Alexander was assigned to Jefferson on 11 of 14 snaps and held Jefferson to one reception for 12 yards out of two targets. That is the very definition of lockdown.
Jefferson has the potential for taking over games himself and he showed that in 2021. Jefferson put up 1616 receiving yards with 10 touchdowns. Jefferson finished 4th in the league in receptions (108), 2nd in receiving yards, and 6th in touchdowns.
Jefferson will find himself as a top 5 receiver overall this season if he continues on this pace and it is up to Alexander to stop him when they meet up.
If the Packers intend to remain “Kings of the North” Jaire Alexander better be ready for battle.