Packers: Top five performers in Week 8 loss vs. Rams

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OAKLAND, CA – AUGUST 24: Jaire Alexander #23 of the Green Bay Packers celebrates after he intercepts a pass against the Oakland Raiders during the second quarter of an NFL preseason football game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on August 24, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

1. Jaire Alexander

In his first game back from injury, Jaire Alexander balled out and showed why he was a first-round pick.

Goff went after Alexander early and often, but Alexander held his own. With seven tackles, he showed he’s more than just a cover man and someone who’s willing to put his body on the line to make the tackle.

Alexander was matched up against Brandin Cooks most of the game and finished with five pass break-ups. Even when Alexander gave up a catch he was right there with the receiver to make the tackle.

Green Bay’s first-round pick gave the team a lot to get excited about. Jaire is blossoming into a shutdown corner. With Kevin King’s development, the Packers look like they’ll be set at the corner position for the foreseeable future.

Alexander was drafted for a game just like this one. Cooks is a small and speedy dynamo who can eat up cushions in coverage quickly and get open deep. But he couldn’t shake free from Alexander.

Alexander also has position flexibility as he can play in the slot as well as outside on the perimeter. The Packers will need that when they face the Patriots next Sunday night. Alexander is the perfect foil to the Patriots’ Julian Edelman. I for one am very excited to see that matchup.

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