Overall, the Green Bay Packers’ defense fell short of expectations during the 2022 season. They were right around the middle of the pack, ranking 17th in points and yardage allowed. What really tanked their overall numbers was their run defense or lack thereof.
Green Bay ranked 26th in rushing yards allowed and 28th in yards per carry. However, for how much the run defense struggled, the pass defense excelled. A major reason for that success in locking teams down aerially was the presence of star cornerback, Jaire Alexander.
Jaire Alexander has cemented himself as one of the premier cornerbacks in the NFL since the Packers selected him at No. 18 overall in the 2018 NFL Draft. With his rookie contract now over, he is starting a four-year, $84 million deal he signed in May 2022, which he earned with his performance.
In five seasons, Jaire Alexander has made the All-Pro Second Team twice. His 2021 season was cut short by injury, as he was able to play in only four games, but that didn’t slow him down from getting back on track last season.
In 2022, the star cornerback had 56 tackles, four tackles for loss, with five interceptions and 14 passes defended. But, there was one stat in which Jaire Alexander truly stood out. According to PFF, the Packers’ star was fifth in the NFL in passer rating allowed out of 90 qualified players who had at least 300 coverage snaps.
“Alexander has the highest coverage grade in the league back in 2020. Coming off his injury-ridden season in 2021, Alexander bounced back to his regular form, posting a top-three coverage grade in the league (82.1).
Against Chicago in Week 13 was the only game that Alexander allowed over 100 yards in coverage. He has consistently shown to be one of the best corners in the league, and he is exceptional at getting his hands on the football–with five interceptions and eight pass breakups last season.”
The only players who finished with better numbers than Jaire Alexander were James Bradberry of the Philadelphia Eagles (51.8), Jaycee Horn of the Carolina Panthers (52.6), Sauce Gardner of the New York Jets (53.9), and Alontae Taylor of the New Orleans Saints (58.3).
Packers’ defense coordinator Joe Barry’s life is made much easier by having someone of Jaire Alexander’s caliber leading his secondary. He can take more risks bringing blitzes as he knows he has someone capable of holding up on the perimeter playing on an island in man-to-man coverage.