Matt LaFleur watched Jaire Alexander have fun Sunday
Matt LaFleur had to be happy with what he saw against the Minnesota Vikings. The Green Bay Packers head coach had been preaching about complementary football all season. The Packers showed it Sunday against the NFC North champion in what was an elimination game for home the home team. Outspoken cornerback Jaire Alexander had an excellent performance, and he let the world know about it.
Alexander’s performance stood in stark contrast to the Packers’ loss in Week 1 to the Vikings. Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson had 184 yards and two touchdowns in the Vikings’ blowout win. Alexander wasn’t happy with that game plan, but he got what he asked for in Week 17. He locked down Jefferson Sunday, as Jefferson finished with 15 yards receiving, and Alexander had a little fun after making plays.
Jaire Alexander just did the griddy in Justin Jefferson's face. pic.twitter.com/kjJ3ygl7gp
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) January 1, 2023
Alexander also had some fun quotes after the game. LaFleur commented on Alexander’s antics during the game. According to Matt Schneidman with The Athletic, the Packers coach is okay with Alexander’s behavior as long as he plays well:
“I know Jaire chirped a little bit, but he backed it up.”
Matt LaFleur: “I know Jaire chirped a little bit, but he backed it up.”
— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) January 2, 2023
We’ll see if Alexander faces a fine for taunting like his teammate Allen Lazard did after the Miami Dolphins win. It shouldn’t be necessary. This was an emotional game for Alexander and the Packers. They should be able to show emotion after making good plays.
It’s up to Jefferson to try to get the better of the Packers’ secondary. But Alexander seemed to get into his head. That mental aspect should be a part of the game. But Alexander should beware; Jefferson and other wide receivers will have him on notice if the Packers get into the playoffs.
2 Comments
If they play like this on Sunday against the Lions, we might have the ‘Dark Horse’ team in the Packers
A “lock down corner” doesn’t have safety help over the top, and/or linebacker help on the inside, on every play. Jaire had a good game, and the Pack dominated, but he cannot claim to have locked Jefferson down on his own. Truly 1-on-1, without the help, every single-game receiving record would be rewritten by Jefferson.