Why Jaire Alexander must have a big game for the Packers against the Lions

The Green Bay Packers will close out the 2019 season against the Detroit Lions in Week 17. Among all of the players, Jaire Alexander must have a big game for the Packers against the Lions.

The Packers selected Alexander with the 18th overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft out of Louisville. The Louisville product immediately became a focal point on Green Bay's defense in his rookie season.

Last year, Alexander produced 66 tackles, 11 pass deflections, and an interception for the Packers. As for this year, Alexander has posted another productive season with 53 tackles, 16 pass deflections, and two interceptions.

In addition, the second-year cornerback has allowed 50 receptions on 91 targets per Pro Football Focus. Without a doubt, Alexander is beginning to develop into one of the most talented cornerbacks in the NFL.

With that being said, Green Bay's defense has shown that they can be susceptible to the pass this season. The Packers own the 18th ranked pass defense in the NFL that surrenders an average of 239.1 yards per game.

At the same time, the Packers have allowed three teams to throw for over 300 yards this season. That includes the 441-yard performance that Dak Prescott had against the Packers in Week 5.

Therefore, Alexander and the Packers will have one more game to prepare themselves for the playoffs. On top of that, Alexander will get an opportunity to prepare himself for the playoffs by covering Kenny Golladay—one of the top wide receivers in the NFL.

Heading into Week 17, Green Bay is positioned as the No. 2 seed in the NFC. Considering that, the Packers are expected to have a first-round bye when the playoffs begin in January.

In light of that, Alexander would be best suited to put together a notable outing before he gets some rest to begin the playoffs. Sometimes, having a first-round bye at the start of the postseason can be beneficial for a team.

On the other hand, it can be useful for a team to continue playing while they are in a groove. It remains to be seen if Green Bay will be rusty or rested if they receive a first-round bye in the playoffs.

As for Alexander, Sunday is going to be an extension of the playoffs. Over the course of the postseason, Alexander could have to cover the likes of Michael Thomas, Emmanuel Sanders, Tyler Lockett, or Stefon Diggs.

Given that, it is vital for Alexander to have a notable outing on Sunday versus the Lions. Above all, a good game from the young cornerback would secure the No. 2 seed for the Packers in Week 17.