All Jaire Alexander Needs to Do is Finish

In June, Jaire Alexander said 2019 was going to be his “dog year.” A year in which he saw himself becoming an All-Pro. Two games in and its hards to say he’s far off. The only thing left for him to do is finish off big plays.

Opposing quarterbacks have thrown in Alexander’s direction 16 times this season. Only six of those passes have been completed and he has yet to surrender a touchdown. There is only one corner in the league that has allowed fewer catches on that many targets, Tampa Bay’s Carlton Davis.

As a rookie it was obvious Alexander had talent. His attitude, speed, ball skills, and ability to recognize routes are that off a shutdown corner. The only thing holding him back is making the big play.

When Kirk Cousins completed his 49-yard touchdown to Stefon Diggs, number 23 was right there. Alexander was lined up on the opposite side of the field from Diggs but broke out of his zone when he saw Cousins release the ball. The angle he took and the range he displayed were impeccable. The end result could have easily been an interception. Unfortunately, Alexander claimed he lost the ball in the sun as it went right through his hands.

Later, he had a chance for an even easier pick. Alexander practically ran the route better than Adam Thielen yet Cousins still made the throw. It was right to the Packers rising star but he couldn’t hold on. Alexander was visibly frustrated after the play.

He is still waiting for his first interception of 2019 but it is definitely coming after a few near misses in the first two weeks. Alexander doesn’t have a choice if he is serious about being an All-Pro.

Accolades aside, at least it’s nice knowing the Packers have a corner on the outside you don’t have to worry about. Alexander is ready to stand toe to toe with the NFL’s best.

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