Packers victory over Steelers: The good, the bad, the grade

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GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – OCTOBER 03: Jaire Alexander #23 of the Green Bay Packers leaves the field during the third quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Lambeau Field on October 03, 2021 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

The bad: Jaire Alexander’s injury, Eric Stokes rookie learning curve, special teams blunders

Jaire Alexander went down in the second half after attempting a tackle on Steelers’ running back Najee Harris. He immediately stayed down on the field and later had to be carted from the sidelines to the locker room. It’s being reported as an AC joint injury in his right shoulder, and more tests will be needed to determine the seriousness. Alexander hasn’t been nearly as good so far this season, but he’s far and away Green Bay’s best cornerback.

Despite recording his first career interception, it was a rough day for rookie first-round pick Eric Stokes. The Steelers were clearly going after him with quick passes, as he gave up 10 receptions for 82 yards and four first-down completions. Stokes also struggled to bring the receivers down in space once giving up the catch–something other teams are sure to continue testing him in.

The Packers almost had a nightmare special teams play to end the first half as Mason Crosby’s kick was blocked and returned for a touchdown. Fortunately, an official made a questionable offsides call that nullified the return and Crosby was able to connect on the redo. Their kickoff unit also gave up a couple of nice returns, something they’ll have to clean up moving forward.

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