The Green Bay Packers are set for a massive battle against the Chicago Bears in Week 18 action. On the line for Green Bay is a trip to the playoffs. If they pull off a win in the major rivalry, they will clinch either the No. 7 or No. 6 seed in the NFC playoff picture.
Who would have thought just a couple of months ago that the Packers would find themselves in this position? Honestly, just a couple of weeks ago this seemed to be an unreasonable expectation.
Despite all of the doubts and all of the ups and downs, the Packers are here. They have a chance to do something that no one gave them a chance to do in the year following the Aaron Rodgers trade.
One of the big question marks surrounding this week’s game, is whether or not Joe Barry’s defense can contain Justin Fields and the Bears’ offense.
This week, Green Bay received a huge help on the defensive side of the ball. Jaire Alexander is back after serving a one-game suspension. The Packers could not be happier to have him back.
Green Bay Packers’ Joe Barry Doesn’t Hold Back On Jaire Alexander
It seems that one of the biggest fans of having Alexander back on the field is defensive coordinator Joe Barry. He happens to be coaching for his job, although that decision may have already been made. Green Bay’s defense has performed well below expectations for almost the entire year.
Prior to Week 18, Barry did not hold back on his thoughts about having Alexander back on the field.
“Ja’s been phenomenal this week. He really has. It’s still Jaire Alexander. When you get him back in the building, and back with the potential of the availability, it’s great to have him here and with us and back in the fold.”
Alexander has had a rough all-around season for the Packers this year. He has dealt with nagging injury issues and then the suspension seems to have mellowed him out a bit. In his press conference this week, Alexander seemed much more serious, which is a breath of fresh air.
So far on the 2023 season, Alexander has played in just six games for the Green Bay Packers. He has recorded 25 total tackles to go along with a forced fumble and four defended passes.
Many are hoping to see Alexander make his first big play of the season this week. The Packers will certainly need it.
It will be interesting to see what version of Alexander shows up on Sunday. Will it be the lockdown playmaking cornerback that the Packers have come to know and love? Or will it be the version that doesn’t make much of an impact?
Only time will tell, but Green Bay needs to put together a nearly perfect game to knock off the Bears and get into the playoffs.
1 Comment
It wouldn’t surprise me if the Packers lose, but they don’t need to play a perfect game.
Just be solid, don’t turn the ball over. Don’t make mistakes on special teams. Punt receivers need to call a fair catch if they need to. No dumb penalties.
I don’t like when Barry plays a soft defense, but if they have a good week this week, and contain Fields, he might have grown into the position. Unless you know you have someone better, firing him may be a mistake.
And MLF should take a FG for points, in the first 3 quarters, on 4th down in the red zone. We lost 2-3 games we could’ve won if we had taken the points.