Joe Barry doesn’t hold back on Jaire Alexander before of the Bears game

In Week 18, the Green Bay Packers will face the Chicago Bears in a titanic clash.

A trip to the playoffs is on the line for Green Bay. If they win the big game, they’ll clinch either the No. 7 or No. 6 seed in the NFC playoff picture.

Who would have predicted that the Packers would be in this situation just a few months ago? Just a few weeks ago, this seemed like an absurd expectation.

Despite all of the doubters and ups and downs, the Packers are here to stay. They have a chance to do something no one predicted they could do in the year following Aaron Rodgers’ transaction.

One of the biggest unknowns heading into this week’s game is whether Joe Barry’s defense can stop Justin Fields and the Bears’ attack.

Green Bay had significant defensive assistance this week. Jaire Alexander has returned from a one-game suspension. The Packers are overjoyed to have him back.

Green Bay Packers’ Joe Barry Doesn’t Hold Back On Jaire Alexander

Defensive coordinator Joe Barry appears to be one of the biggest supporters of Alexander’s return to the field. He is currently coaching for his job, however that choice may have already been made. For practically the entire season, Green Bay’s defense has performed far behind expectations.

Before Week 18, Barry was open about his desire to see Alexander return to the field.

“Ja’s been phenomenal this week. He really has. It’s still Jaire Alexander. When you get him back in the building, and back with the potential of the availability, it’s great to have him here and with us and back in the fold.”

Alexander has had a difficult season with the Packers this year. He has contended with nagging injury difficulties, and the suspension seemed to have calmed him down a little. Alexander was much more serious in his news conference this week, which was a breath of fresh air.

Alexander has only appeared in six games for the Green Bay Packers this season. He has 25 total tackles to go along with a forced fumble and four passes defended.

Many expect Alexander to make his first big play of the season this week. The Packers will undoubtedly require it.

It will be fascinating to watch which version of Alexander appears on Sunday. Will it be the same tenacious playmaking cornerback that the Packers have grown to expect and love? Will it be the version that fails to make an impression?

Only time will tell, but Green Bay needs to play a near-perfect game to beat the Bears and advance to the playoffs.