The 2023 NFL season marked Jordan Love’s debut as the starting quarterback for the Green Bay Packers, and initial expectations were set unrealistically high. Despite a challenging start, Love has progressively demonstrated the qualities expected of a franchise quarterback.
Having witnessed the dominance of Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers over the past two decades, the Packers’ fan base is accustomed to success in the quarterback position. The controversial selection of Love in 2020 raised eyebrows, considering the team’s immediate need wasn’t perceived as a backup quarterback. However, history has shown the success of a similar approach with the drafting of Rodgers.
2023 Progress:
Love’s first season as a starter has been a developmental journey. In the last two weeks, facing the Los Angeles Chargers and the Detroit Lions during a two-game winning streak, Love showcased poise and composure in the pocket. His growth is evident, highlighted by five touchdowns and zero turnovers, emphasizing a better understanding of prioritizing successful plays over forcing unnecessary ones.
While Love’s completion percentage hasn’t consistently exceeded 70% this season, improvements in target progression and offensive management are evident. The team’s offensive youth has contributed to challenges, but the present growth of the younger players is crucial for the team’s future.
Deep Ball Accuracy:
A significant aspect of Love’s growth focused on deep-ball accuracy, an area that initially presented challenges. However, his Week 12 performance against the Lions demonstrated positive strides, particularly on passes of 10 yards or more.
Every Jordan Love completion of 10+ yards in today’s win over the Lions.
— Daire Carragher (@DaireCarragher) November 24, 2023
Packers have a guy. pic.twitter.com/aNwYGC2ZBc
While acknowledging areas for improvement, Love’s overall growth this season underscores his potential and the room for further development. As Green Bay aims to maintain its winning momentum, Love’s decision-making and arm strength become pivotal.
Upcoming matchups against the Chiefs, Giants, and Buccaneers provide ample opportunities for the Packers to stay in the playoff hunt. The evolving identity of the Packers’ offense is closely tied to Love’s progress, making it increasingly likely that he will remain the team’s starting quarterback heading into the next season and beyond.