The Packers may be entering the Jordan Love era. Is he ready?
Is Jordan Love Ready?
As the uncertainty surrounding Aaron Rodgers’s future in Green Bay continues, the attention has started to shift to another Green Bay quarterback. After all, Jordan Love was the same guy the Packers had enough confidence in to take in the first round of last year’s draft. Love was always supposed to get the starting job, but is this too soon?
The Packers’ refusal to trade Rodgers so far shows the organization’s reluctance to committing to Love just yet, but they may be left without a choice. Rodgers has reportedly told his teammates his plans to leave and has hinted at a possible retirement if Green Bay won’t move him. To be fair to the Packers, Aaron Rodgers is coming off one of the greatest individual seasons in NFL history. Their preference of having Aaron Rodgers back under center next season is likely more of a testament to his talent than their lack of confidence in Love. Regardless, Green Bay may not have the final say in the matter.
When it comes to Jordan Love, the 22-year-old was always viewed as a work in progress before the draft. With the cancellation of the 2020 NFL preseason and limited practice reps, it has been very difficult for anyone outside of the Packers organization to see any progression. This leaves fans, analysts, and league executives alike with little idea of what to expect from Love.
The latest film of Love goes back to his college days at Utah State. In his three seasons as a starter, Love showcased his lively arm and big-play ability, but on the other hand, he also flashed his inconsistency and poor decision making. This is where the “work in progress label” was formed. Love undoubtedly possesses the arm talent and athleticism desired in today’s NFL, but that doesn’t negate the concerns about a player who had almost as many interceptions as touchdowns his final year of college.
When going through Jordan Love’s college tape, it truly feels like a roller-coaster. Great plays followed by inexplicably horrible plays pretty much sum up his entire junior year. However, his redshirt sophomore season tells a much different story. A much more composed and calculated version of Jordan Love led Utah State to 11 wins and recorded a stat line of 3,567 yards, 32 Touchdowns, and six interceptions in the process. Without this sophomore season, it is improbable Love would’ve ended up being a first-round pick. The 2018 season shows what Love can be with the proper play calling and supporting cast.
Out of all the teams in the NFL, the Packers offense is one of the best for an inexperienced quarterback. Davante Adams is seen as one of the best Wide Receivers in football, Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon make up a strong backfield, and the offensive line was rated as the second-best in 2020 by PFF. Throw in a coach who is 26–6 with the team, and the foundation for a young quarterback to succeed looks pretty strong.
But that’s also not to say that fans won’t have to be patient. Replacing a first-ballot hall of famer isn’t easy. Even if Love is good from day one, it will likely be a substantial drop off from where Aaron Rodgers was in 2020. It is also unlikely Love will ever reach the heights of his predecessor. The countless records and accolades Rodgers has amounted over the years rival any 13 year stretch at the position in league history. Although there are reasons to be optimistic about Love’s future, it’s important to understand he has the nearly impossible task of filling Rodgers’ shoes.
Overall, Jordan Love is the ultimate wild card. We know he has some of the right skills and traits to succeed in the NFL, but being able to put it together for an entire 17 game season is easier said than done. Going 18-months without taking an in-game snap makes it difficult for anyone to know if he’s truly ready, and that includes the Packers.
