Packers: Five players to watch vs. Cowboys in Week 5

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GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – SEPTEMBER 26: Jaire Alexander #23 of the Green Bay Packers warms up before the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lambeau Field on September 26, 2019 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

4. Jaire Alexander

The Cowboys were a different team last year after they traded for Amari Cooper. The passing game was stagnant and struggling to find a rhythm. That all changed after the trade with the Raiders.

Cooper became Prescott’s most reliable target and a game-changer for the Cowboys. Cooper is an outstanding route-runner and has the speed to get everything in the playbook done.

I expect the Cowboys will try to take advantage of the Packers’ focus to stop the run. A few early play-action passes could be the recipe for success in the passing game. That is unless the Packers have a cornerback that can shut down the receivers.

Luckily for the Packers, they do. Jaire Alexander is playing outstanding football and is on his way to what should be his first Pro Bowl. If Kevin King is forced to miss this game with a groin injury, it’s likely defensive coordinator Mike Pettine will have Alexander travel around with Cooper and match up against him all game.

The Cowboys might be getting Michael Gallup back this week. His addition, coupled with the injuries to King and Tony Brown, will test the depth in the secondary. Should Alexander lock down his side of the field, Pettine can then get creative with how he chooses to match up with everyone else.

Alexander has yet to record an interception this season; I have a feeling that’s about to change.

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