Was the Suspension of Alexander Justified for Such a Crucial Game?
After a narrow but crucial 33-30 triumph against the Carolina Panthers, the Packers embark on a road trip to face the Minnesota Vikings on New Year's Eve. However, they'll be entering a hostile environment without star cornerback Jaire Alexander, who was internally suspended by the Packers organization earlier this week, despite not facing an NFL suspension. The suspension stemmed from Alexander's conduct during the coin toss in the previous game, where he was not listed as a captain but participated and nearly caused confusion by initially choosing "defense" instead of "defer." This led to his suspension for the upcoming game against the Vikings, officially cited as "conduct detrimental to the team."
Team disciplinary actions are often implemented to bring out the best in players, but sidelining Alexander, especially against the productive offense of the Vikings, raises questions. The suspension seems disproportionate as it doesn’t involve criminality, physical recklessness, or malice. Additionally, the game against the Vikings holds significant playoff implications for both teams, with both sitting at 7-8 and vying for a Wild Card spot.
Considering Green Bay’s recent defensive struggles, allowing high-scoring performances by opposing quarterbacks like Tommy DeVito and Baker Mayfield, sidelining Alexander appears counterproductive. Last week, the Packers yielded 30 points to the 2-13 Panthers, and rookie quarterback Bryce Young threw for over 300 yards.
Jaire Alexander was not named a captain on Sunday, went out for the coin toss anyway, and even made the call.
"Everybody was laughing, I was like what are y'all laughin' at."
The Packers have suspended him for one game for conduct detrimental to the team. pic.twitter.com/wIay3DMRRY
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) December 27, 2023
Facing a potent passing game from the Vikings, who recently amassed over 400 yards and 24 points against the Cincinnati Bengals, the Packers’ defense, already without Alexander, faces challenges. Cornerback Erik Stokes, tasked as the primary defensive back, struggled in the previous week against D.J. Chark Jr., and now has the responsibility of defending star receiver Justin Jefferson. The secondary, including Keisean Nixon and Corey Ballentine, has shown vulnerabilities, and the Vikings’ passing attack, led by Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and K.J. Osborn, poses a significant threat.
With the Vikings in a must-win situation to keep their playoff hopes alive, the absence of Alexander, the Packers’ top cornerback, amplifies the defensive concerns. The Packers may need to rely on their running game, featuring the returning and healthy Aaron Jones, to offset the challenges posed by Minnesota’s offense. While a shootout is a possibility, turnovers and special teams plays could be pivotal in determining the outcome. Ultimately, the decision to suspend Alexander internally raises further questions, especially considering the importance of this crucial game against the Vikings.
