Former Packers All-Pro cornerback Jaire Alexander will run out of the tunnel at Lambeau Field as a visitor for the first time Monday night, after being traded to the Eagles last week.
Philadelphia is betting that Alexander can be a difference-maker in the secondary over the second half of a season that the Eagles hope fuels a run at the Super Bowl, and that he can fill a glaring need on the back-end of coordinator Vic Fangio’s defense.
Jaire Alexander opens up about Packers return
Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander against the Miami Dolphins during their football game on Sunday, November 11, 2018, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis.
Wm. Glasheen/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin.
Before the Eagles can start to think about a second Lombardi Trophy, Philadelphia has a pivotal game against the NFC North-leading Packers on Monday night, and Alexander didn’t hold back when it comes to how he’s feeling about his Green Bay return.
“I was like, ‘Wow, this is amazing, dream come true,’” Alexander told reporters this week. “It’s going to be nostalgic. You know, it’s going to be fun seeing the guys that I grew up with.”
Injuries have once again wreaked havoc on Alexander’s season, as he only appeared in two games with the Ravens before being shipped to Philadelphia leading up to the trade deadline.
Monday night, though Alexander gets to line up against some familiar foes; in Packers quarterback Jordan Love, receivers Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, and Dontayvion Wicks, who he spent years sharing a locker room with and practicing against in Green Bay.
“The challenge is obvious,” Alexander pointed out. “They’re a good offense. They’re really good on third down. Those guys are a talented group.”
Nov 27, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Green Bay cornerback Jaire Alexander (23) reacts to Philadelphia Eagles fans after an apparent injury during the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports