Green Bay Packers Matt LaFleur Praises Defensive Star

Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur has to be happy about what he is seeing early in the team’s offseason program. Players who have struggled to stay healthy in recent seasons have looked strong in the early going, garnering attention at camp.

There are a lot of players to keep an eye on this summer as expectations are on the rise for the Green Bay Packers. One player who will be key to the team figuring things out on the defensive side of the ball is cornerback Jaire Alexander.

There is no denying the impact that the Louisville product can have on the field. There is a reason that the Green Bay Packers made him the highest-paid defensive back in the NFL at one point. But, the 2023 season was a struggle at times.

Injuries led to some ineffective play on the field. He also had several shortcomings, being fined and suspended on occasion by the team. Coming into 2024, he has changed his approach. He is still confident in himself but is putting the team first when he can.

Matt LaFleur has noticed the change. Last week, he commented on how great the veteran cornerback has been thus far in the offseason program. Captaincy is no longer something he needs to have, as he plans on showcasing leadership even if he doesn’t have a C on his jersey.

“Ja’s been outstanding,” Matt LaFleur said Wednesday. “He’s been here every day, shows up, great attitude, eager to learn, is out there competing with the guys, talking trash, which I love because I love just amping up that level of competition in a fun way. He’s never demeaning. I think he’s been a great teammate and been a great leader for us.”

Getting Jaire Alexander back on track would be huge for the Green Bay Packers. When he is on top of his game, he is one of the best shutdown cornerbacks in the NFL. With some versatile safeties being added to the mix this offseason, there is a chance that Green Bay could have him shadow the opponent’s best wide receiver in games.

That isn’t a luxury they have been afforded in the past, but 2024 is the start of a new era. With Jeff Hafley taking over as defensive coordinator, there is optimism this defense, which has underwhelmed in recent seasons, can take things to another level.

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