Packers: Five standout performances from Week 7 win vs. Texans

4. Jaire Alexander

Stat line: 2 catches against 

There isn’t much debate anymore, Jaire Alexander is becoming the NFL’s next top cornerback. Week after week, Alexander is going up against the team’s top receiver and shutting them down.

I was curious who he might match up against this week. Kevin King being out left Alexander as the main man once again.

The Texans have two certified speedsters with Brandin Cooks and Will Fuller IV, and Alexander couldn’t cover them both at the same time.

Mike Pettine decided to match him up against Fuller and Alexander shut him down. Fuller finished with three catches and a touchdown, but that touchdown came during garbage time with the Packers playing zone and Henry Black being the closest to him.

The only thing stopping Alexander from getting the full recognition he deserves is interceptions.

But it’s hard to get picks when teams choose to throw away from you, just as Deshaun Watson did Sunday. Watson time and again went to his slot receiver former Packer Randall Cobb, instead of trying to go outside to Fuller.

Also helping Alexander’s case was the pass rush. Preston and Za’Darius Smith were in the face of Watson all game long. Even if they weren’t getting to him for the sack, they were affecting him in the pocket.

Whether coverage helps the pass rush or pass rush helps the coverage doesn’t matter. On Sunday, the Packers had both. And if should they face Tampa again, or some of the other good teams in the NFC, the Packers are going to need Alexander at his best. All indications are they won’t have to worry about that.