Jordan Love and the Green Bay Packers are hurtling towards the 2021 NFL season at top speed and the status of reigning NFL MVP quarterback Aaron Rodgers is still unknown. That has led to the Packers planning for Love to be their new starter. Obviously, that could change, but the Packers are preparing for Rodgers to not play nonetheless.
With the uncertainty in Green Bay at the quarterback position, that has led many to be uncertain about what to expect from the Packers in general.
If Rodgers return and starts in Week 1, the Packers would immediately be called Super Bowl favorites once again. He has led them to back-to-back NFC Championship Games, but has lost in both of those. On the other hand, if Green Bay heads into the season with Love as their starter, many will predict that they will miss the playoffs.
Love has not played a single snap in the NFL, and that includes preseason play. Due to COVID-19, the NFL cancelled last year’s preseason. That was a rough bump in the road for a young quarterback like Love, but getting early offseason reps as the starting quarterback will certainly help him.
Despite all of the drama going on in Green Bay, Matt LaFleur and the Packers seem very confident no matter what happens. They firmly believe that they will be a good football team regardless of who starts at quarterback.
All of that being said, let’s dive in and take a look at three reasons Jordan Love could lead the Packers to the playoffs if Rodgers does end up sitting out.
3. Jordan Love Is No Slouch Of A Talent
Prior to the 2020 NFL Draft, quite a few teams were high on Love. Many thought he had the talent and potential to be a very good starter at the next level. While the Packers ended up getting him and he didn’t see any action last season, that has not changed.
Love still has a good arm and a good head on his shoulders. He has great leadership skills and a very good attitude. Green Bay’s coaching staff has been working closely with him and he was able to learn behind Rodgers as a rookie.
Even though he hasn’t seen action in an NFL game, Love is still a talented quarterback. He may have some ups and downs, but he is still talented enough to keep the Packers’ offense dangerous.
2. Matt LaFleur’s Offense Fits A Young Quarterback Well
Secondly, playing in LaFleur’s offense is exactly what young quarterbacks need. The Packers did not thrive on big passes down the field last year. Instead, they focus on getting the football out quickly and allowing their playmakers to make plays.
No one would be expecting Jordan Love to come in and play like Aaron Rodgers. They would be asking him to make good decisions with the football and get the ball into his receivers hands quickly. Love is more than capable of making that happen.
Love has a huge advantage due to the offense he plays in and would be just fine in the current offensive game plan.
1. His Supporting Cast Is Loaded With Talent
Finally, and most importantly, the Packers will have a talented offensive supporting cast regardless of who their quarterback ends up being. Rodgers is obviously one of the best quarterbacks to ever play the game and he makes his teammates better around him, but the weapons themselves are very good.
Davante Adams is arguably the best wide receiver in the NFL and the Packers are loaded at talent behind him. Allen Lazard, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, and Amari Rodgers are all dangerous target and Green Bay has one of the most underrated tight ends in the league with Robert Tonyan.
Add in the fact that the Packers will have a dangerous duo in the backfield in Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon, and things get even easier for Jordan Love.
Love would still be asked to play good football and put up numbers, but his teammates would help him accomplish that goal. Too many young quarterbacks are asked to do way too much. The supporting cast in Green Bay would help Love avoid that dangerous situation.
