It is by no means the cause of the Packers’ loss to the Falcons on Sunday in Atlanta.
However, it serves as a metaphor for the kind of day Green Bay had, one in which they experienced a lot of success but throughout which far too many chances were lost.
The Falcons won the Week 2 game, of course, with a final score of 25-24.
The story, however, was the Packers’ 24-point advantage going into the fourth quarter and the numerous opportunities they had to extend that advantage.
None was more impressive than Desmond Ridder’s pass to Jaire Alexander in the second quarter, which was really to Alexander.
On a fourth-and-4 play from the Packers’ 41-yard line, Drake London was the intended receiver; however, Alexander only needed to move forward one step before the ball was thrown into his chest.
Alexander, however, was unable to hold on and dropped the ball.
Alexander said following the match, “Man, I don’t know.
“I just missed it.
I never even witnessed him throw it.
I didn’t notice him, but I did notice the ball and it was there; I ought to have caught it.
“.
Record-setting CB Has a Bad Day.
Although Alexander’s attempted interception would have given the Packers a chance to score, he would still have needed to outrun running back Tyler Allgeier in the open field, making it less likely than some might have thought that it was a sure pick six. The Packers did get the ball back after the play, as it was a fourth-down play, and on the next drive, they managed to kick a field goal to give Green Bay a 10-3 lead.
Whether it involved a pick-6 or not, the entire situation was a reflection of Alexander’s day.
Drake London, the star receiver for the Falcons, managed a game-high 67 yards on six receptions while being lined up against Alexander frequently.
In the first half, London beat Alexander by catching a touchdown on a diving catch.
Alexander declared, “I always want to be perfect and to be the best.”. I didn’t show that today, either.
That’s right, I’m a little frustrated.
But nobody is perfect.
“.
Alexander signed a record-breaking four-year, $84 million contract with Green Bay in 2022, so he is paid to be pretty close to perfect.
According to Spotrac, it’s the largest annual contract for a cornerback and the largest signing bonus ($30 million) ever given to a cornerback.
Packers regret lost opportunities.
The challenge with the missed INT, according to Alexander, is that he probably won’t let it go very easily.
For the next few days, Alexander would be “kicking myself.”.
On the other hand, the Packers will follow suit.
At home, against another potential NFC playoff team, this was a very winnable game.
The Packers are undoubtedly a young and developing team.
They may, however, also be a young age of 2-0 and still growing.
Alexander echoed the sentiment of the majority of Packers fans when he said, “I thought for sure we had it in the bag.”.
“Hats off to ’em.
I thought their momentum was down a couple of times. They exerted themselves during their game.
“.