The Green Bay Packers are in a prime position for the playoffs, even with one of the league’s worst run defenses. But, the Packers have one of the best pass defenses and that is because they have Jaire Alexander, a top five cornerback.
Jaire Alexander Leads The Defense
Jaire Alexander’s 2020-2021 Season
Jaire Alexander has one of the toughest jobs for the Packers defense. Alexander is normally tasked with shadowing the opposing teams’ top receivers and has done a remarkable job. He has only allowed 33 completed passes all season long while being targeted on 61 passes. He is only averaging 9.9 yards per completed reception while holding opposing quarterbacks to a 73.5 passer rating. Alexander has also only allowed two receiving touchdowns all year which is impressive given the receivers he’s faced: Allen Robinson, Mike Evans, Adam Thielen, Will Fuller and Calvin Ridley. What’s even more special is that in the Week 4 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons, Alexander held Calvin Ridley to zero catches on five targets, while in the previous weeks Ridley had posted at least 100 receiving yards in each game. He also held Mike Evans and Will Fuller to one target each for zero catches while covering them in their games.
What’s Ahead The Rest Of The Season
These upcoming regular season games will show why Jaire Alexander is a top five cornerback. With matchups against the Detroit Lions and Carolina Panthers, two teams who have injuries at wide receiver, Alexander should be able to have a field day in the secondary and limit catches and yards. However, Alexander will have two somewhat difficult matchups to finish the season with the Tennessee Titans and Chicago Bears. He will most certainly be covering A.J. Brown and Allen Robinson in those games, both of whom are very physical opponents. But, Alexander will be facing only one top 15 quarterback the rest of the season in Ryan Tannehill. So, Alexander should be able to pick apart these passing games that are average at best.
Playing His Way To A Payday
The Packers need to make Jaire Alexander one of their top priorities next season. Alexander will be in the final year of his rookie contract and will most likely command a sizeable extension. He will be one of the most pricey players the Packers will need to try to keep. But the Packers need to be willing to pay up. Top five cornerbacks are hard to come by in this league and the fact the Packers drafted one, they can’t let him walk into free agency. It would not be a shock to see Alexander ask for between $50-90 million in an extension. And if most Packers fans were the ones in charge of making decisions, they would be willing to pay every penny.
Jaire Alexander is having an incredible season. Not only that, but he should show out well in the playoffs, too. And to top it all off, Alexander may be playing his way to a very hefty extension in Green Bay. He definitely deserves it.
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