Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you sign up through BetMGM. 21+ only. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
The Green Bay Packers have to straighten the course of the ship. For that to happen, they may need to trust Jordan Love more.
The numbers certainly back up that case. As pointed out by Bradley Locker of Pro Football Focus, Love should be considered among the top MVP candidates if the Packers get it together:
“Love has been a bit of a hot-and-cold player during his three-year reign as Green Bay’s starting quarterback. Yet, he’s been a bit more consistent this season, producing an 80.9 PFF passing grade with a 5.0% big-time throw rate — both of which are in the top six for qualified quarterbacks. Even then, he’s reverted a bit lately, with 62.0 passing marks or lower in two of his last three games sandwiching a 79.5 effort against the Steelers in Week 8. Now 5-3-1, the Packers have a 73% chance to make the playoffs. Still, Green Bay would probably need to a) win the NFC North and b) garner a top-two seed for Love to firmly enter MVP conversations. Then again, Toyotathon is yet to go into effect — maybe Love will kick things up a gear to really join the fray,” Locker wrote.
There are two narratives surrounding Love, Matt LaFleur, and the Packers right now. Some believe that the head coach’s overly conservative play-calling is holding the quarterback back, whereas others claim that LaFleur is trying to game-plan around his limitations.
Truth be told, this might be another ‘yes, and’ case. Both statements can be true to a degree.
It’s not a secret that Love has fallen short in big moments, and his worrisome tendency to play hero ball and put the ball in harm’s way hurt the team multiple times. On the other hand, he’s played efficient football and looks much poised and mature this season, and his head coach has refused to take the training wheels off in recent weeks.
The Packers’ offensive line can’t run-block to save their lives right now. As good a player as Josh Jacobs is, he’s constantly getting hit behind the line of scrimmage, and the team’s predictable play-calling has the opposing team literally calling the play.
LaFleur might be coaching for his job for the remainder of the season. And the best way to save his job and also give his quarterback a shot at MVP will be to finally unleash him.
NEXT: Micah Parsons Sounds Off On Recent Narrative About His Impact