With Aaron Rodgers announcing his intention to play for the Jets in 2023 and waiting for the Packers to trade him, the Packers’ backup quarterback Jordan Love is preparing to take over as the team’s starting quarterback.
The Packers drafted Love in the first round of the draft three years ago and traded up to get him, showing their excitement for his potential. Assuming Rodgers is traded, Love will have his chance to play and progress in his career.
Packers’ History of Hall of Fame-caliber QB Production
The Packers have a history of Hall of Fame-caliber quarterback production, with Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers both leading the team to Super Bowl victories.
Love has been backing up Rodgers for the past three seasons, similar to Rodgers backing up Favre. With Rodgers leaving, the Packers will turn to Love to continue their legacy of strong quarterback play.
Limited Game Appearances for Love
Love has only made one career start and has had limited appearances in other games, making it difficult to analyze his performances. He has gone 50 of 83 for 606 yards with three TD passes and three interceptions since being drafted in 2020.
However, Packers coach Matt LaFleur has confidence in Love’s ability and has seen significant growth in him over the last three years.
Best Performance and Increased Confidence
Love’s best performance came in relief of an injured Rodgers last season when he went 6 of 9 for 113 yards and a touchdown in a game against the Eagles. Love has said he feels more comfortable and confident and can see things faster. However, Love’s job could be difficult if the Packers don’t add more playmakers.
Packers Lack of Playmakers
The Packers have a good offensive line and a strong running back tandem in Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon, both capable pass catchers. Last season, the Packers drafted three wideouts, including Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs, who scored a combined 12 touchdowns as rookies.
Nevertheless, there is a possibility of them having insufficient veteran receivers and tight ends. Unrestricted free agent Allen Lazard, who had 60 catches for 788 yards last season, tweeted a farewell message to Green Bay on Wednesday. Wide receiver Randall Cobb, as well as tight ends Robert Tonyan and Marcedes Lewis, are also free agents.
Love’s Readiness and Pressure
Love will have to rely on what he learned during the three seasons he backed up Rodgers. Rodgers said in a news conference that you don’t know you’re ready until you’re in that position and that Love has done a nice job improving and working on the little things and has a chance to have a long future in the league. Love will face pressure and will have to find his stride with leadership and withstand the first year of different defenses throwing things at him. Love’s readiness could be affected by the lack of veteran receivers and tight ends on the team.
The Packers are entering a new era with Jordan Love as their starting quarterback, following in the footsteps of Favre and Rodgers. Love’s limited game experience and lack of playmakers could make his job particularly difficult, but he has the potential to continue the Packers’ legacy of strong quarterback play. Packers fans will have to wait and see how Love performs as the team’s starting quarterback in the upcoming season.
