Eric Stokes made a statement on Sunday night. Stokes told everyone why he deserves to be the starter for the Green Bay Packers. He played great again on Sunday. Sure, there was the notable pass interference, but we all know that was bullshit. There are some great Stokes numbers thus far. Before Game 2, I made the case to start Stokes over much-maligned Kevin King, and due to an illness from King, Stokes got that chance on Sunday night. He showed out and I’m not sure King should get his starting spot back.

Eric Stokes has allowed the 2nd lowest completion percentage of any CB in the league so far this season (30%).

— Daire Carragher (@DaireCarragher) September 27, 2021

He looks the part right now. Stokes seems ready to ball. This whole notion that Stokes was ‘raw’ doesn’t seem to be accurate. Brian Gutekunst got a winner with Jaire Alexander and moved down the draft to get him. That was a winner. It appears that Gutkeunst might have done that again with Stokes. It is still very early. But the early returns are very good. As mentioned in the post earlier this month, there will be growing pains. Teams get tape on guys. Good quarterbacks figure young dudes too. So I’m not trying to overreact to what Stokes is doing early, but it’s hard not to be impressed.

Look at how Eric Stokes Jr defends this route in comparison to Jaire Alexander.

Stokes plants his feet at the GL and dictates route depth. Made Deebo fight through him.

Alexander gives ground giving Aiyuk the space he needs to work him. https://t.co/7jUjr7Lyr4

— Big CROCKY⚡️ (@eric_crocker) September 28, 2021

Assuming that King feels better this week, Stokes should be the starter. No questions asked. He should be the guy going up against Chase Claypool who is a bigger receiver. Stick Jaire Alexander on Juju Smith-Schuster then go with Stokes on Claypool. We’ll see if Dionte Johnson can go which adds another element here. Regardless, Stokes should be that dude.

Charlie.