CHARLOTTE, NC – Jaire Alexander wasn’t even supposed to be on the field for the coin toss, and when the Green Bay Packers cornerback interrupted the captains’ meeting at midfield, he nearly cost his team a possession in Sunday’s 33-30 victory over the Carolina Panthers.
Alexander, who was stationed at midfield alongside the Packers’ three game captains Aaron Jones, Quay Walker, and Eric Wilson, called tails and won the coin toss.
When referee Alex Kemp asked for his preference, Alexander stated that the Packers preferred to be on defense, which is not the same as deferring. If Kemp had not explained, the Packers could have lost a possession and the Panthers would have started both halves.
The winner of the coin toss may opt to receive, kickoff, or defer the decision until the second half. Alexander’s statement that they intended to be on defense could have been construed as a decision to kickoff.
Kemp may have double-checked and asked Alexander if he meant defer because LaFleur makes it a point in the pregame meeting with officials to tell them of their choice if they win the coin toss.
LaFleur was not impressed with Alexander, who was making his season debut after missing six games due to a shoulder ailment.
“That was a big mistake,” LaFleur said of Alexander’s phone conversation. “That’s something you go over with the guys before they go out there every time, ‘Hey, we win the toss, we’re going to defer.'” Before the game, I went to the officials and made sure they knew what we were going to do. We had a similar occurrence earlier this year, so we’re always trying to be proactive in that regard.”
LaFleur went on to say that he thinks Kemp explained because “I don’t think they ever want to get that (wrong).” Alexander didn’t seem to notice his error.
“I said, ‘I want our defense to be out there,’ and they all looked at me like I was crazy,” recalled Alexander. “I’m like, I mean, what I said is pretty simple, like I want the defense to be out there.” ‘You mean defer?’ they ask, and I say, ‘Yeah, I guess.'”
It was unclear why Alexander went out for the coin toss in the first place. Because the Packers don’t have permanent captains, it’s a weekly turnover. When questioned if Alexander was named game captain by the coaches or by himself, LaFleur said, “Yeah.”
“It’s only fitting,” Alexander explained. Coach didn’t know I was from Charlotte, so…”
This was the latest chapter in Alexander’s odd season, in which he had been able to practice for more than a month but had not played since his Nov. 5 shoulder injury.
His return did not assist the Packers’ faltering defense or defensive coordinator Joe Barry, who is under fire. Bryce Young, the Panthers’ rookie quarterback, passed for 312 yards and two touchdowns.
When asked if giving up 30 points to a squad that has only won two games was concerning, Alexander replied, “Uh, yeah, it is.” Honestly. But we only have to play the call that is called,” which may be interpreted as a dig at Barry. However, Alexander went on to say that it was “a pretty good game plan.”
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