Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander wants to be an All-Pro in 2019. After three games, he’s living up to those expectations.
During training camp, Alexander stated, “I just want to have a good year. I see myself in the Pro Bowl. I see myself as an All-Pro. I’ve got all the confidence in the world. Last year was a great starting point for me, but this year is going to be my dog year. I’m ready to put my stamp on this.”
Based on how he’s performed so far, Alexander’s prediction looks possible, if not likely, after just three games.
Mike Pettine’s defensive scheme relies on two simple things: pressuring the quarterback from all different angles and executing man coverage. Both aspects go hand-in-hand and work beautifully when carried out together.
One of the biggest benefactors of Pettine’s scheme has been Alexander. He’s been Pettine’s go-to guy for locking down opposing teams’ No. 1 receivers, and it becomes more and more apparent week after week why the Packers chose Alexander over other cornerbacks in the first round of the 2018 draft.
Alexander has been one of the biggest reasons for Green Bay’s impressive defensive turnaround in 2019, largely because of his ability in man coverage. All-Pro players have the ability to impact a game in ways very few others can, and Alexander has exhibited those qualities.
Taking away the opposing quarterback’s first option (and in some cases, second option) gives more time for Green Bay’s pass-rush to make an impact. It also allows Pettine to bring an extra blitzer, knowing that Alexander has the ability to trail closely one-on-one in man coverage.
But the philosophy also works in reverse. When Green Bay’s pass-rush hits home early, with players beating their respective opponent in one-on-one situations, it affords Alexander, Kevin King, Tramon Williams and others room for error; to be able to take risks in baiting quarterbacks into making mistakes.
It’s one of the reasons the Packers currently lead the NFL in takeaways. The Packers’ pass-rush – led by newcomers Preston Smith and Za’Darius Smith – are winning their one-on-one matchups, allowing Alexander and others to take risks.
Through three games, Green Bay’s defense has forced eight turnovers, largely thanks to a combination of Alexander, the two Smiths and Pettine’s exotic pressure scheme.
Alexander has arguably been one the most important parts of that equation, though. According to Pro Football Focus, Alexander boasts a top three coverage grade (86.6) and ranks in the top 10 overall for cornerbacks.
It’s not like he’s going up against slouch receivers, either. Alexander has faced some of the NFL’s top receivers through three weeks. Allen Robinson, Stefon Diggs and Emmanuel Sanders have all been in held in check when Alexander was covering them.
Through three games, Alexander has been targeted 21 times and allowed just nine receptions on 132 coverage snaps. Additionally, he’s already matched the same amount of pass breakups (six) that he had in all of 2018.
But above all else, he just passes the eye test. You can tell that Alexander just has that “it” factor. On Sunday, he ripped the ball away from rookie tight end Noah Fant, creating a turnover with a terrific individual play. It led to a touchdown.
Of course, we can’t get too ahead of ourselves. After all, it’s only been three weeks. But after a 3-0 start, it appears the Packers are trending towards being a defensive-minded team, thanks in large part to the play of Alexander.
