Packers Saving Jaire Alexander from Further Embarrassment
Ted Schwerzler
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When the Minnesota Vikings host the Green Bay Packers, they will welcome a roster that doesn’t include standout cornerback Jaire Alexander. He has been known to shadow Justin Jefferson in their previous matchups but won’t have the opportunity for Minnesota’s star to embarrass him after his latest mishap.
Packers Saving Jaire Alexander from Further Embarrassment
A week ago, before nearly giving up an ugly comeback victory to the Carolina Panthers, Jaire Alexander inserted himself into the coin flip. Despite not being a captain for the game, he went out to midfield and called the coin toss for Green Bay. His line of thinking was that he hails from Charlotte. It gave him freedom to go over his coach’s head. On top of being present, he then nearly bungled the decision by skipping an opportunity to defer to the second half.
When asked about the decision to show up with the captains and make a nonsensical decision after the coin flip, he seemed unable to grasp the ramifications. Once again, Alexander had made himself look foolish.
Now suspended by Matt LaFleur and moved to inactive status for Sunday’s game, Alexander won’t have an opportunity to line up against Justin Jefferson. Minnesota has just recently seen Jefferson return to the lineup, and despite inconsistent quarterback play, he has immediately made an impact.
Kevin O’Connell is turning to Jaren Hall under center this week, and how he’ll play in a full game remains to be seen. The stakes aren’t exactly high, with the Vikings all but eliminated from playoff contention, but playing in a big rivalry game should always move the needle. Having the benefit of a lesser defensive back playing against Jefferson gives Hall additional room to operate, and the tandem will look to put up gaudy numbers in a win.
The last time Jefferson lined up against the Packers, Minnesota had secured its playoff life already, and he was held to just one catch on five targets. During last season’s opening week, Jefferson torched Alexander for 184 yards and a pair of touchdowns. He has often had success against the division rival, and having missed the first game this year at Lambeau, he will want to make sure the team from Wisconsin feels his presence.
Breaking in a young quarterback, it stands to reason that the Packers being at less than their best on defense will provide an advantage. It didn’t have to be that way for Green Bay, but LaFleur certainly needed to send a message when it was evident that Alexander was not only going rogue but also didn’t understand the errors of his ways.
Whether the Vikings make the playoffs or not, finishing off the season with a pair of wins against divisional opponents could provide some nice momentum going into the year ahead. Jefferson is still searching for the 1,000-yard plateau, and a big game could get him within sniffing distance.
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Ted Schwerzler is a blogger from the Twin Cities that is focused on all things Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings. He’s active on Twitter and writes weekly for Twins Daily. As a former college athlete and avid sports fan, covering our pro teams with a passion has always seemed like such a natural outlet.
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