Packers: Jaire Alexander-A.J. Brown matchup key in Week 16

Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander could face a tough battle against Titans receiver A.J. Brown this week.

The Green Bay Packers‘ defense will be tested by Derrick Henry and the Tennessee Titans rushing offense this week, but it’s important not to forget about the passing game.

Ryan Tannehill is having another great season with the Titans having thrown for 3,482 yards, 31 touchdowns, and only five interceptions.

Not only does Tannehill benefit from play-action due to a dominant run game, but he also has a talented receiving duo in A.J. Brown and Corey Davis.

In 12 games this season, Brown has 56 catches for 881 yards and 10 touchdowns. Also in 12 games, Davis has 60 catches for 945 yards and five touchdowns.

How Mike Pettine plans to cover the Titans’ receivers remains to be seen, but don’t be surprised if we see Jaire Alexander matched up with Brown a lot on Sunday night. It makes sense. Brown is Tennessee’s best receiver, so Pettine should put Green Bay’s top cornerback on him as often as possible.

While Brown is tough to cover in the red zone — he has six touchdowns inside the 20-yard line this season — he is also a threat after the catch. Brown has 376 yards after the catch, including 73- and 69-yard touchdowns he took the house as he sprinted past defenders.

As well as needing to be strong up front to limit Henry on the ground, the combination of Alexander and Kevin King will both need to be on top of their games to stop Tannehill connecting with Brown and Davis for big plays.

Alexander is Packers’ key to stopping Brown

Brown is having an impressive second season in the league after his breakout rookie year. Brown was named to the Pro Bowl this season.

But so was Alexander. We could see an entertaining battle between two great players at their respective positions.

Alexander has kept a number of top receivers quiet this year including Calvin Ridley, Mike Evans, and Will Fuller.

He’ll face another challenge this week from A.J. Brown.