Jordan Love Showing Signs of Development
Quarterback Jordan Love is starting to show signs of development in year two.
Not every play or practice is going to be perfect for Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love. However, the young quarterback is taking the necessary steps from a second-year player.
Love’s performances through voluntary OTAs and the first minicamp practice were uninspiring. Either by design or choice, Love rarely threw the ball downfield. He went through his progressions before checking the ball down, and, in many cases, the ball never traveled more than five yards through the air.
That was not the case Wednesday, as Love was seen testing defensive backs downfield and finding success. On one play, he connected with running back AJ Dillon down the sideline for a 30-yard gain. During a free play, Love found wide receiver Allen Lazard for 45 yards. Former sixth-round pick Juwann Winfree caught a pass for 30 yards. Another huge catch was made by running back Aaron Jones, who caught a pass near the sideline for 30 yards.
Coaches and players began fanning Love to try and get the quarterback to cool down from his hot streak. Love finding his groove during practice is the kind of development you want to see from a young quarterback and exactly what the Packers were hoping for.
This isn’t the same Love from 2020. Love has put in the time this offseason to improve his mechanics and study Matt LaFleur’s offense. Now his hard work is paying off while Aaron Rodgers appears content in a stalemate with the front office.
Obviously, Love still has a long way to go to dethrone Rodgers, and Green Bay probably hopes to sit Love for at least another year. But what if Love were to start in week one, would he be ready?
“100%,” said Love, who spoke to the media following Wednesday’s practice.
Love was not lacking in confidence after arguably his best practice as a pro. Last season, he saw hardly any reps in any given week as the third-string quarterback.
While Rodgers is away, Love has been leading the first-team offense. His focus is on getting himself ready to potentially play.
“To get myself ready. Whether Aaron is here or not here. I have to get myself ready to play. I have to get myself ready to take charge of the team and be able to play at a high level."
Love is approaching the Rodgers’ situation like a true pro. He’s saying all the right things and is instilling confidence in his coaches and teammates. Once training camp starts, some practices may be better than others, but it is encouraging to see signs of growth from Love.
Brandon Carwile is a Packers writer who also enjoys watching and breaking down film. Follow him on Twitter @PackerScribe.
Comments (47)
Since'61
June 11, 2021 at 12:14 pm
This is a situation where the limits on practices imposed by the CBA could hurt a player's development especially a young QB like Love. If teams were allowed to practice as they had in the past Love could try possibly develop into a starting QB much sooner. Regrettably the Packers need to work within the existing framework. Thanks, since '61
greengold
June 11, 2021 at 12:18 pm
This is a great piece, Brandon. Thanks for sharing it.
In watching Jordan Love's press conference, I thought about my own 22 year old nephew. WOW. There is so much on this QB's shoulders, but, he does look like he's confident and 100% accepting of the challenge to become the Packers QB1 for 2021.
They are clearly getting him ready for that judging by the number of snaps he's taken. An inordinate amount to say the least. LaFleur said he installed everything for him in this short time. Granted, it couldn't have been more than a small dose, but they weren't holding back.
His teammates, every one of them, right down to Rashan Gary, looked to be very supportive and encouraging throughout.
I'm just wishing him all the best for a successful career here in Green Bay, and I don't think he could ask for a better guide in Matt LaFleur to help see him through.
Leatherhead
June 11, 2021 at 12:54 pm
Love is going to be fine if we protect him.
TarynsEyes
June 11, 2021 at 12:55 pm
"Coaches and players began fanning Love to try and get the quarterback to cool down from his hot streak".
Were they fanning him in the same manner when he was stinking it up on Day one of this 3-day camp?
Coldworld
June 11, 2021 at 12:59 pm
I doubt it, otherwise it would mean nothing when he did get hot.
HarryHodag
June 11, 2021 at 01:01 pm
In your Aaron Rodgers playroom complete with worship throne perhaps you can find the recordings when your hero stunk up the joint after Favre left. And that was with three years of prep time.
TarynsEyes
June 11, 2021 at 01:19 pm
I have called out Rodgers for bad play many times since his arrival and taking over for Favre. I'm not a denier. I leave such mannerisms to the many here that have a long resume of excusing much of Rodgers and others' play over the years. Isn't that why so many dislike me and now you accuse me of doing, what you have done and do and now begin to continue with Love. By the end of training camp, Love will be a HOF'er and walk on water with excuses aplenty ready for his defense from the deniers.
If Love becomes the starting QB for whatever reason, I'll support him and bang on him in an equal manner when dictated.
LayingTheLawe
June 11, 2021 at 02:06 pm
She is correct here that she has called out Rodgers many times. Taryn is a chronic complainer who takes no joy out of anything regarding the Packers. No wins matter, only losses. I am sure in 2010 she complained that they did not win the Super Bowl by enough points.
TarynsEyes
June 11, 2021 at 02:50 pm
I enjoy every game with wins being first, but the wins that matter needs to be claimed, and failing to do so, I cannot simply accept with the same ease as many here. I'm getting on in age and the teams' incredible penchant to fold like a tent when needed to rise, anger me, as it should all, especially the younger who may look back and realize their best chance of multiple SB's has passed them by because of passivity from the FO. The younger will look back as I do to the '70-'80s, and be angry for not erasing the horrible past when the chance was never more available and open to happen. Two simply isn't enough when 4 or more should have been made part of the teams' history. Call me cantankerous if you wish, but I demand better and have earned the right to do so however my sentiments dictate.
13TimeChamps
June 11, 2021 at 03:03 pm
It's just football.
Calm down.
Have a drink.
R-E-L-A-X
TarynsEyes
June 11, 2021 at 04:08 pm
Take your own advice and just let me be a fan the way I choose to be and not compelled to be the version you want or any others that denounce mine.
13TimeChamps
June 11, 2021 at 04:13 pm
That's fair and reasonable. Will do.
greengold
June 11, 2021 at 06:02 pm
I think it’s great, TarynsEyes. We’re all different, and we’re all fans of the same team. The Green Bay Packers.
Just watched Jerry Kramer on the NFL Network, narrating the review of the Packers 1967 season. I can vouch for 1967 being a shithole year with the Vietnam War, the political & racial strife amongst other things. The Packers were a bright spot.
Acceptance. Lombardi did that, lived that. Acceptance of all peoples, all conditions, understood everyone is different, having an array of strengths & weaknesses.
We can all stand to embrace that more. Why not?
PearlyBakerBest
June 12, 2021 at 09:17 am
Two days ago you called someone a sad sociopath for the way they chose to be a fan. Now you’re bitching at someone for calling out how you choose to be? You’re pathetic.
LayingTheLawe
June 11, 2021 at 06:19 pm
Oh and the rest of us were happy they lost in the NFCCG? SIlliness.
We know this part is not true. In fact, the next time you say anything positive about the Packers will be... the first time you ever said anything positive about the Packers.
Ferrari-Driver
June 11, 2021 at 07:59 pm
TarynsEyes, I too lived through the horror of the 1970's and 1980's and hated the ribbing I got at work. I hope I never have to listen to comments like "The Pack is back with Bart the Fart" and worse. We have had three decades of winning and I love it. Many of the younger fans here, never had to endure the crap of 70's and 80's and I hope they never do. I have all my fingers crossed that Jorden Love will become an upper echelon quarterback for our team.
LeotisHarris
June 11, 2021 at 08:57 pm
"... I hope I never have to listen to comments like 'The Pack is back with Bart the Fart' .."
Whoa, ouch! So you were teaching 4th graders and the kids were ruthless? Hope you were able to take the high road and not call them "poopy-butts" or "dumbheads."
LayingTheLawe
June 12, 2021 at 02:48 pm
The problem is that ALL you do is find fault. The Packers may have won a game, made the playoffs, won the division, won a playoff game, had a hail Mary with 0 seconds save a season, kicked a 50 yard field goal on the last play to go to a championship game and we can always count on Taryn to come in amid the excitement and tell us how much it doesn't matter and how overrated it is
LayingTheLawe
June 12, 2021 at 02:48 pm
The problem is that ALL you do is find fault. The Packers may have won a game, made the playoffs, won the division, won a playoff game, had a hail Mary with 0 seconds save a season, kicked a 50 yard field goal on the last play to go to a championship game and we can always count on Taryn to come in amid the excitement and tell us how much it doesn't matter and how overrated it is
13TimeChamps
June 11, 2021 at 02:08 pm
Serious question. Why do you even follow this team considering how much misery it brings you?
TarynsEyes
June 11, 2021 at 02:36 pm
I've been following this team for longer than you perhaps, and that gives me the right to call it as I see it when I see it, and what I disagree and don't like from the FO down to every player signed. I cannot help if you are or have been brainwashed into the new thinking that every word spoken must conform to pure optimism.
Have you ever noticed I never ask such a question of anyone as you and others do to me? Why are you a fan of a team that goes out of its way to near ensure the team only achieves so much, while making so little seem an incredible feat? The NFCN has been served on a guaranteed platter for the majority of near two and a half decades, less the loss of Rodgers twice with only two SB's the reward of such serving.
Archaism
June 11, 2021 at 03:41 pm
I think you mean to cheer for and celebrate the Tampa Bay Tom's. If its wins in the most opportune times you are seeking, you are misplacing your attention.
Bure9620
June 11, 2021 at 04:56 pm
I think the premise being Love is developing and on schedule in year 2......this kid is going to be unfairly judged the majority of his young career I feel......
PearlyBakerBest
June 11, 2021 at 06:21 pm
“Isn't that why so many dislike me?”
Nope. People dislike you because you’re an asshole.
jhtobias
June 11, 2021 at 12:55 pm
Nice post. I would hope packer fans temper their expectations about this season and let Jordan develop. The talent arm strength etc is their but give him a chance to grow.
This super bowl talk really needs to stop. Sure with Rodgers thier fair enough but reality is what it is .
Even by some miracle rodgers shows up because he doesn't want to lose a yr OK will see what expectations can be. Give Jordan a chance, and Rodgers is a grown man his choice either way respect for his service to the club for 16 year's
Packerpasty
June 11, 2021 at 01:30 pm
no respect because they don't like Rodgers personality...not humble enough for conservative Wisconsin natives.
dobber
June 11, 2021 at 01:44 pm
For a lot of people, Aaron Rodgers was who sent Brett Favre packing. Favre was the guy who rescued the Packers from the Lindest In-starr-egg era of crapitude. Add to that the fact that he doesn't have that down-home, aw shucks demeanor you point out, and he's always struggled with fans and the media.
jannesbjornson
June 11, 2021 at 03:52 pm
Yeh, Rodgers is not a guy who would put animal guts in a teammates' locker or stiff the people of Miss. for 1 M
while being a no show on speaking engagements.
Coldworld
June 11, 2021 at 05:27 pm
The fact I got from this week that struck me was that in the whole of last season he got less snaps in practice as 3rd QB than he has taken this week. Certainly emphasizes how the missing off season last year impacted him.
LambeauPlain
June 11, 2021 at 01:52 pm
Stop it! You are using logic now. Not emotion.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
June 13, 2021 at 05:36 pm
Now that is funny Lambeau!
Coach Cleve Steamer
June 11, 2021 at 04:49 pm
That’s the conservative Packer style of QB development. A first round talent and he’s still a rookie in year 2. I doubt he’ll be ready this year. Bortles more likely to start if Rodgers is missing. I’m optimistic about Love, but he’s still an unproved rookie. We’ll see in September or whenever.
BBlake
June 11, 2021 at 01:08 pm
I'm not sure what's worse, a thousand articles on Rodgers holdout or a thousand articles on Love's development.
Packerpasty
June 11, 2021 at 01:31 pm
bring on training camp....PLEASE...tired of media..
dobber
June 11, 2021 at 01:45 pm
At least there's new and verifiable changes on the Love front.
stockholder
June 11, 2021 at 01:14 pm
So when does he make people's magazine as the sexiest man A-Live?
LambeauPlain
June 11, 2021 at 01:47 pm
The NFL pendulum continues to swing. The common narrative now is pass, pass, pass. So defenses focus on stopping it...speed on the edge, big athletic DL to pressure, fast hybrid attacking LBs, and sublime DBs who lock down elite WRs.
I believe the infantry is making a comeback. Teams that are creative in using the run game to open up pass game efficiency will stress Ds focused on stopping the pass. Coach Matt is obviously strategizing this O attack. And it makes life for a QB like Love, even Bortles, more productive.
To make this work you need solid OL players who are both good Run and Pass blockers with prolific runners and TEs around them.
We will see. Rodgers, with his big brain must know this. Could be a bummer for him in his perceived "hold out" leverage.
Roadrunner23
June 11, 2021 at 02:53 pm
I am excited to see Love’s Development in training camp and in the pre-season games. Rodgers not being at mini camp Did Love and the Packers a huge favor.
The kid needs every rap he can get and he also needs to show his teammates that he is a leader and he can take charge of this offense. Also I think he showed great poise and was articulate in his presser.
I believe Rodgers will hold out a few weeks into training camp also which again will give love valuable experience in leading this team.
This way if love does have to play in emergency when Rodgers decides to show up, he will be ready. Wouldn’t it be interesting if the Packers made it all the way to the end of the season in Rogers got injured just like Bakhtiari did at the end of the season and Love took them to the Super Bowl and won it!
I’m not saying I want that to happen I would like to see Rodgers get another Super Bowl, I’m just saying it would be interesting.
jurp
June 11, 2021 at 05:23 pm
It would be even better if Love were named MVP of the Super Bowl. :)
fastmoving
June 11, 2021 at 03:52 pm
Love is a good QB with a lot chances to became great. He is ahead of the schedule, thats for sure.
The rules of the NFL are mostly fine, even some know better. Best sports organisation in the world, no matter what the naysayers complain. Even the draft is more polular than the next best sports play offs. Everything is way better than 20 years ago and thats because most rules make sense and get better. I now nostalgie is a hell of a drug but thats the reality.
fastmoving
June 11, 2021 at 04:03 pm
“100%”
jhtobias
June 11, 2021 at 04:52 pm
So just wondering packer fans if Rodgers announces he will retire and never play in green bay again should you trade him or just waive goodbye and move on .
Coach Cleve Steamer
June 11, 2021 at 05:37 pm
We fans have no say in the matter, only opinions. Some fans have moved on from this story. The only players that count are the ones who are suited up and ready to play. Next question.
SwedeBayPacker
June 11, 2021 at 05:45 pm
They should trade him and not give a F where he wants to go.
Send him to the Texans, let him get man-handled behind their deplorable O-line. Either that or he can retire foe good, I don't care. Freaking diva who wants to run the organization... Take your paycheck and shut the F up, you're an employee, not a king. No I in team.
CoachDino
June 12, 2021 at 12:02 am
tough to trade if retired imo trade after season if he sits out
SwedeBayPacker
June 11, 2021 at 05:39 pm
Rodgers who? Gimme some of that Love.
Houndog
June 12, 2021 at 06:53 am
You're obviously convinced that Love will be the third straight HOF quarterback to play in GB. Good luck with that, I hope you're right.
What's flippin' burgers paying these days?