3 Packers underperforming stars who must step up after the bye week

The Green Bay Packers are exactly what we thought they were entering the season. A talented, young team but far from ready to compete.

David Bakhtiari was the only offensive player over the age of 30 entering the regular season. With Bakhtiari on injured reserve, Green Bay's average age on offense is 24.4. Aaron Jones is the oldest at 28. No other player is above 27.

The Packers have a lot of potential, but this team lacks experience, especially on offense. Unsurprisingly, we are seeing inconsistent play. For every beautiful throw from Jordan Love to Romeo Doubs, there are two or three offensive mistakes. That could be a wrong route, a lack of chemistry between the quarterback and receiver, or just a lack of awareness. These things will improve over time.

Despite that, the Packers can still get back into the playoff race. This team might not be ready to compete with NFC powerhouses like the San Francisco 49ers and Philadelphia Eagles, but they could land a wild-card berth.

To get there, these three underperforming players must step up after the bye week.

3. Jaire Alexander

There's no reason to panic with Jaire Alexander. He will get back to his All-Pro best. But Alexander hasn't made a great start to the season.

According to Pro Football Reference, Alexander has allowed seven completions on nine passes for 93 yards and a touchdown. That's a 77.8 completion percentage, good for a passer rating of 146.8. For comparison, quarterbacks earned a 63.7 passer rating throwing his way last season.

Alexander has two pass defenses but no interceptions in the three games he has played.

The Packers need Alexander back to his All-Pro best after the bye, especially with matchups against the Los Angeles Chargers, Detroit Lions, and Kansas City Chiefs to come in the next seven weeks.