Against all odds, the Green Bay Packers are in the 2023 NFL Playoffs. After a tumultuous season that saw growing pains in every phase of the game, Green Bay defeated divisional foes, the Minnesota Vikings and Chicago Bears, to finish 9-8 and the sixth seed in the NFC. These latest victories saw the defense especially play its best games of the season.
Sure, they only allowed three points to the Los Angles Rams on November 5, but Brett Rypien started the game at quarterback for LA. However, over the last two weeks, the Packers have only allowed one touchdown, and that was on a seven-yard drive the Vikings had after Samori Toure fumbled a punt in Week 17. Green Bay won that game 33-10, meaning the defense would have allowed just three points had it not been for the fumble.
In their Week 18 win over Chicago, the Packers allowed just three field goals. Ever since their nail-biting 33-30 win over the Carolina Panthers, the defense has been lights out. Of course, the last two games have come in the wake of some controversy involving star cornerback Jaire Alexander.
Related: Green Bay Packers: Jaire Alexander Reveals Plans for the Future Amidst Week 17 Suspension
After appointing himself a captain and almost blowing the coin toss against Carolina, Alexander was suspended for the game against Minnesota. There were also some tough, but good, conversations between the coaching staff and the defense. These conversations seem to have paid off, and Alexander seems to be back to his old self.
Jaire Alexander Had His Best Game of the Season for the Green Bay Packers in Week 18
Aside from his one-game suspension, Alexander has missed most of the 2023 NFL season with back and shoulder injuries. Despite this, he was one of five Packers players named a Pro Bowl alternate last week.
Even though he was named an alternate, it has been obvious to anyone who has watched the Packers this year that Alexander is having a down year. After a career-high five interceptions in 2022, he has none this season. His five passes defended this year are his fewest since 2021 when he missed most of the season with a shoulder injury.
But Week 18 was different. Alexander took the communication issues that have plagued the Packers’ defense upon himself and was active pre-snap, yelling out motions and reads to the rest of the team. Alexander also allowed just one reception on three targets, and was PFF‘s fourth-highest graded Packers defender in the game (74.9).
Jaire Alexander Crashes a News Report on Monday
After coming back from his suspension, Alexander said his interviews with the media would be a little more serious going forward. However, that did not stop him from having fun with a local Green Bay report team on Monday morning:
Jaire is 1 of 1 😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/H0gm7HB65l
— FIRE JOE BARRY (@lambeau_nations) January 8, 2024
In the video, Alexander tells the camera, “The Pack is back!” before doing his signature seatbelt celebration. The reporter then states, “Well, you heard from a fan right here. The Pack is back.”
Hilariously, the reporter did not recognize Alexander, much to the chagrin of fans on social media.
In any case, Alexander seems to be healthy, playing well, and has found a balance between his his eccentric personality and his professional expectations.
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