5 players the Packers need to play well to beat Saints

1. Jaire Alexander

Alexander’s standout 2020 season firmly established himself as one of the premier cornerbacks in the NFL. That level of play should allow him to shut down any of New Orleans’ wide receivers in single coverage.

Trusting Alexander to handle his opponent via single coverage opens up a lot of options for defensive coordinator Joe Barry and his staff. In particular, it permits them to get creative when it comes to bringing pressure to disrupt Winston and the Saints passing attack.

It also should benefit the team’s safety duo of Savage and Adrian Amos when it comes to covering the deep third of the field in pass coverage. The Packers’ secondary must be vigilant when it comes to keeping plays in front of them in this game. Alexander’s brilliance in shutting off one side of the field greatly aids their ability to be protected in other matchups.

Alexander’s play is going to be crucial for the Packers every week, but it will be highlighted against Payton’s clever scheme in Week 1. The good news for Green Bay fans is that he has more than enough talent to overcome the talent New Orleans can pit against them.