Priority number one for the Green Bay Packers' defense in Week 4? Stop Justin Jefferson.
While a lot of focus has understandably centered around Aaron Jones' return to Lambeau Field, preventing Jefferson from taking over the game is the biggest concern. Sure, the Packers also need a plan for Jones, but if Jefferson dominates, it's over.
Under former defensive coordinator Joe Barry, the Packers tried different plans to varying degrees of success. His zone-heavy approach allowed Jefferson to put up 184 yards and two touchdowns in the season opener two years ago.
Barry prepared a better plan for the rematch, having Alexander follow Jefferson with a safety providing extra support. It worked, with the All-Pro receiver making just one catch.
New defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley will have his own ideas to slow down Jefferson. A.J. Brown had a big night against this defense in Week 1, catching five passes for 119 yards and a touchdown. The Packers need a better plan to limit Jefferson's production at Lambeau Field.
John Kuhn reveals plan for Packers to limit Justin Jefferson in Week 4
In the latest episode of The Brick & The Stick podcast, former Packers fullback John Kuhn gave his take on how Hafley should stop Jefferson. Have Alexander follow him? Move Xavier McKinney to Jefferson's side of the field? Kuhn says they should do both.
"I'm doing both, please. Can I get the daily double? I'm going to take Jaire with McKinney." said Kuhn. "I'm going to tell my defense straight up: We're going to stop the big play with Justin Jefferson. We're going to play as tight as we can on the other receivers."
"Stop the big play of Justin Jefferson and wear down Aaron Jones. That's going to be my game," Kuhn added.
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It's a smart plan.
It could be tempting to let Eric Stokes shadow Jefferson, with McKinney providing help. In theory, the double-up on Jefferson would limit his success while allowing Alexander to take away another receiver—potentially Jordan Addison if he's healthy.
But Jefferson is so talented that it makes the most sense to do whatever it takes to stop him. With Alexander shadowing him and McKinney sliding to that side of the field, the Packers would make life difficult for the three-time Pro Bowler, forcing the Vikings to win elsewhere.
If another Minnesota receiver steps up and makes the difference, so be it. But Green Bay can't let Jefferson take over the game like he did against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 2 with 133 yards and a touchdown.
Kuhn's plan makes the most sense. Let your two best defensive backs focus on Jefferson and force the Vikings to win a different way.
