Jair Alexander of the Green Bay Packers said not covering Justin Jefferson’s Minnesota Vikings wide receiver was not his decision. It was the coaches’ decision.
The Green Bay Packers have opened the 2022 season looking to show the NFL world that they can still compete for the Super Bowl, despite departing as high-profile as wide receiver Davante Adams and linebacker Za’Darius Smith. They faced the Minnesota Vikings in the first week, but were beaten 23-7, and watched wide receiver Justin Jefferson score nine receptions for 184 yards and two touchdowns.
Jefferson’s performance was notable, as Green Bay’s top player, Jair Alexander, was no match for him. After the game, Alexander told Athletic’s Matt Schneidmann and ESPN’s Rob Damofsky that he was asking coaches to defend Jefferson, but said “it’s about the team.”
Jair Alexander says the decision not to cover Justin Jefferson was made by Packers coaches
This is certainly an interesting development, as the top-of-the-corner usually matches the upper wide receiver.
The day after the loss, Packers coach Matt LaFleur spoke of having Alexander match Jefferson, saying they would have to commit to covering the man. Meanwhile, Green Bay defense mainly plays in area coverage.
Jefferson made an impact from the jump, scoring a touchdown on the game’s first drive. The majority of Jefferson’s damage occurred in the first half, receiving six passes for 158 yards and two touchdowns. In all, nine Jefferson receptions occurred on 11 Cousins targets.
Meanwhile, the Packers wide receivers only had 95 yards in the entire game.
For those wondering why Alexander was not covered, the full-back and coach revealed the reasoning behind the decision.
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