Alexander: Packers defense can't afford to 'give up any TDs'
Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander believes that his defense needs to play flawlessly for the team to have a chance this season.
"I think at this point it's pretty obvious your defense needs to not give up any touchdowns," Alexander said, according to USA Today's Ryan Wood. "I think that's the part of being self-critical of our defense because the offense is pretty young, and they're still figuring out their mojo."
The Packers surrendered two touchdowns to the Las Vegas Raiders in a 17-13 loss on Monday Night Football. Green Bay's defense held Las Vegas in check for most of the night, limiting its opponents to 279 total yards while stacking up four sacks and an interception.
Slow starts have been a problem for the Packers in recent weeks: Green Bay's offense has scored just six first-half points in its last three games. Quarterback Jordan Love struggled during Monday's primetime matchup, throwing three interceptions in the loss. He finished the evening having completed 16 of 30 passes for 182 yards and three interceptions. He was also sacked twice.
"Yeah, it's tough, we had a lot of opportunities," Love said postgame, according to The Associated Press' W.G. Ramirez. "Defense did a great job giving us those opportunities. And we just didn't do enough. I didn't do enough."
The Packers' offense also appeared to feel Aaron Jones' absence. The running back has been in and out of the lineup dealing with a hamstring injury.
Green Bay ranks 28th in the league with 281.6 yards per game and averages 22.6 points per contest following 38- and 24-point performances in their first two games, respectively.
With a bye in Week 6, head coach Matt LaFleur intends to find a way to motivate his team through their first-half woes following back-to-back losses.
"Obviously we're searching for a little bit of answers right now. We've got to find something to get us going, to jump-start us," LaFleur said, per team reporter Mike Spofford.
Green Bay takes on the Denver Broncos on Oct. 22 following their bye week.
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