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When the Green Bay Packers drafted cornerbacks Jaire Alexander and Josh Jackson in the first two rounds of this year’s NFL draft, it was a foregone conclusion both would have to contribute immediately.
With one week in their rookie seasons’ complete, color their defensive coordinator impressed.
Mike Pettine leaned heavily on both rookies Sunday night. Alexander played 49 of the 70 defensive snaps and Jackson played 46.
While both made mistakes, one thing was clear to Pettine and anyone else who watched the game: neither of the two youngsters were overmatched and you really never said the same about the duo’s predecessors, Damarious Randall and Quinten Rollins.
It was however only one game and you can’t paint their rookie campaigns on one performance. Alexander and Jackson face a much stiffer test when the Minnesota Vikings and Kirk Cousins, Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen come to town this week. If they can hold their own against that trio, the Packers will be ecstatic.
You can read more on their NFL debuts plus four former Packers may hear the call from Canton in 2019 in today’s cheese curds.
Packers’ cornerbacks earning Mike Pettine’s trust on big stage—PackersNews.com
Alexander and Jackson both came from big schools and played on the national stage in college. That probably helped them not get caught up in the moment of their first official NFL game.
Kizer had the unfortunate pleasure of taking his first snaps in an offense he is still learning while under duress from Khalil Mack. Should he be called into action Sunday, Kizer’s task against the Minnesota defense will not be any easier.
Former Packers OLB thinks he could beat out current Packers OLB Kyler Fackrell—Packers Wire
Harsh words from Brady Poppinga. At this point however, would anyone really disagree?
Aaron Rodgers’ broken collarbone was the injury heard around the league last year, and a new rule regarding landing on the quarterback developed in its wake has stirred up a lot of controversy. Barr has his own thoughts on the new rule including surprisingly agreeing with one call.
Butler, Holmgren among 2019 Pro Football Hall of Fame nominees—Packers.com
With Jerry Kramer now enshrined, every Packers fan I talked to in Canton said the next Packer to get in should be LeRoy Butler. Sterling Sharpe, also a nominee for 2019, was also mentioned. The most interesting name on this list? Nick Collins.