From the moment Jaire Alexander stepped on the field in a Green Bay Packers' uniform, you could that he had that "it" quality. From his confidence to his swag and, most importantly, his ability, Alexander has the makings of being one of the NFL's top cover corners. 
In 2019, we saw Alexander take that step forward in Year 2 that so many successful NFL players make. He totaled 14 pass breakups, came away with two interceptions and allowed a completion rate of only 57.7 percent on 104 targets. Perhaps what makes his stats even more impressive is that Alexander is oftentimes covering the opposing team's top receiver. 
Now, there are, of course, areas that he has to work on as his aggressiveness can get the best of him at times, which leads to big plays and he could be more consistent as well. However, some of that is to be expected with a young corner, yet Alexander entered Year 3 as confident as ever (via [URL=https://packerswire.usatoday.com/2020/08/12/confidence-swells-for-packers-cb-jaire-alexander-ahead-of-year-3/" target="_blank]Packers Wire[/URL]):
“I feel like this is the most confident I’ve been in my technique and in my game." Later, he added: “When I lock in and when I master my craft, the sky is the limit.”
And it wasn't just Alexander who was confident in his game, but also [URL=https://packerswire.usatoday.com/2020/06/16/packers-cb-jaire-alexander-considered-one-of-nfls-best-in-zone-coverage/" target="_blank]Doug Farrar of Touchdown Wire[/URL], who ranked Alexander as the 6th best zone coverage corner in the NFL entering this season, while[URL=https://www.pff.com/news/pro-z-packers-jaire-alexander-may-be-the-nfls-next-shutdown-cornerback" target="_blank] Pro Football Focus[/URL] called him the "NFL's next shutdown corner." Through three weeks of the 2020 season, Alexander has backed those rankings up. 
On 14 targets this season, Alexander has given up nine completions but is holding opponents to a measly 9.2 yards per catch along with only 16 total yards after the catch, and quarterbacks have a passer rating of just 56.3 when throwing his direction. This includes a performance in New Orleans where he was targeted only two times, allowing one catch for -2 yards.
We've also seen Alexander come up with those splash plays, such as the safety on Kirk Cousins in Week 1, the interception a short while later, and him blowing up a play in the flat thrown to the elusive Alvin Kamara.
Jaire can sniff these plays out in the flat and finish them as well as anybody. pic.twitter.com/XYmaSVtLgN 
— Paul Bretl (@Paul_Bretl) September 29, 2020 
Many believe that it's just a matter of time before Alexander is an NFL All-Pro, and with the way he's played the first three weeks, we may be witnessing it already. 
But on Monday night, Alexander and the rest of this Green Bay Packers' secondary will have what is easily their biggest test of the season as they'll have to face Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley of the Atlanta Falcons.
Despite the Falcons 0-3 record, this offense is lethal. They are [URL=https://www.espn.com/nfl/stats/team/_/table/passing/sort/totalPointsPerGame/dir/desc" target="_blank]fourth in total yards per game[/URL], ninth in points per game, and their [URL=https://www.sharpfootballstats.com/explosive-play-rankings--off-.html" target="_blank]explosive pass rate[/URL] of 10 percent is the 10th highest rate in the NFL. This certainly isn't a unit to take lightly.
We are all well aware of Jones and the havoc that he can wreak, but Ridley and his big-play ability has flown under the radar a bit. Prior to Sunday's games, Ridley's 349 receiving yards were the second most among receivers, his four touchdowns led the way, and he's the only receiver to post over 100 yards in all three games this season. 
The last time these two teams met, Jones had his way with a young Alexander and the Packers' secondary, hauling in [URL=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/J/JoneJu02/gamelog/2018/" target="_blank]eight receptions[/URL] for 106 yards with two touchdowns. Ridely, also a rookie at that time, had a much quieter game with only one reception for 10 yards. But this is a more experienced and savvy Jaire Alexander that Julio will be facing this time around, which isn't to say he won't find some success, but Alexander is a better player. 
While it's not only going to be Alexander who is tested, but Kevin King, Chandon Sullivan, and the Packer safeties as well, all eyes will be on Jaire as he has a tremendous opportunity in front of him to build upon what has been a solid season and doing it against one of, if not the best receiver duo in the NFL.

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