Packers corners made people forget about the Rasul Douglas trade, for now
The Green Bay Packers were sellers during the NFL's trade deadline and the name general manager Brian Gutekunst traded away was a big one in starting cornerback Rasul Douglas.The seventh-year veteran wasn't on Jaire Alexander's level in terms of a top-tier cornerback, but he was a solid player who held the team to a high […]
The Green Bay Packers were sellers during the NFL's trade deadline and the name general manager Brian Gutekunst traded away was a big one in starting cornerback Rasul Douglas.
The seventh-year veteran wasn't on Jaire Alexander's level in terms of a top-tier cornerback, but he was a solid player who held the team to a high standard and brought a physical mindset to both the defense and squad, as a whole.
"[He was] somebody who stabilized the locker room," Packers cornerback and All-Pro returner, Keisean Nixon, told reporters after the trade. "He's a big part of what we were preaching and approaching as a team, and now he's gone…
"… I was really lost for words. I understand it’s a business, but I’m still sick to my stomach, honestly."
Overall, the trade wasn't bad: The Packers received a third for giving up Douglas and a fifth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. But, still, as Nixon noted – it stung.
On Sunday, Nixon and his fellow corners were lights out and made everyone forget about the trade. For now.
Alexander came up with a crucial PBU in the fourth quarter that was a big reason why the Packers ultimately won the game. Nixon had several good plays on defense and a big, 51-yard kick return to start the second half. In all, Rams receivers were held to just 11 receptions for 114-yards on the day – including both Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua.
But it was the play of rookie Carrington Valentine, who is carrying Douglas' torch in terms of the starter opposite Alexander, who impressed the most on Sunday. The kid was all over the place, making plays in both the run and the pass. He even almost came away with his first career interception, like fellow rookie, Anthony Johnson Jr.
It's not much of a surprise that Valentine played well. The former Wildcat had a very strong training camp/preseason and bumped former depth players like Innis Gaines and Corey Ballentine off of many final roster projections and onto the Packers practice squad. He also had three starts, already, coming into the game – including a Week 7 start that saw him play 100% of defensive snaps.
"You have to give it up for guys like Carrington Valentine, who steps in [and] I thought he played as good as he's played," Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said after the game.
Sure, the Rams were without Matthew Stafford, which certainly makes a difference when it comes to the receivers' collective effectiveness. But at the same time, the better opponent is supposed to beat the lesser opponent handily – and that's exactly what the Packers corners did.
Now, it's about making this happen week-in, week-out. If the Packers corners can do that, then the position group has a very bright future.
