What if I told you the next level of Jordan Love’s game to tap into, has nothing to do with skill?
Leadership. Now entering his fourth season as the Packers starting quarterback, Love finds himself as the longest tenured Green Bay Packer on an offense that is ready to go as far as he goes.
It’s hard to believe, but it’s true. With Josh Jacobs not in the picture currently, aside from guard Aaron Banks (29), Love is also the second oldest starter (28 in November) on the Packers offense. Now, what kind of leadership is being alluded to?
Love clearly has the respect of his coaches, and fellow teammates. Soon to be a 2-time captain, being more vocal is a start. Whether that is with holding his teammates accountable or communicating with Matt LaFleur on play-calling.
Packer faithful for the most part would agree, seeing more fire wouldn’t be the worst thing. Love’s calm demeanor is truly who he is, and there is nothing wrong with that. However, being in the position that he is, conducting youth all around him, it’s just part of the job.
Love inherited years of guidance, and beyond useful teaching from future hall of fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Mechanics, footwork, pre-snap reads, all qualities that have helped create who Love is today, a top quarterback in the NFL.
What hasn’t seemed to yet click, is the public display of emotion, and leadership on the field. We heard Matt LaFleur say the plan is to “Let Jordan cook” in 2026, now we just want to see it.
As calm as Rodgers was in the tensest moments, people forget how much fire he played with. Week after week, he wasn’t afraid to get on teammates or coaches when the standard slipped. Some labeled those outbursts as him showing teammates up, but what if it was the frustration of someone who knew exactly what his guys were capable of and wasn’t willing to accept anything less.
As if sports don’t prove it enough, leaders can lead in several different ways. As the man conducting everything however, being able to wear different hats, and go outside of their comfort zone, can only make it easier on those who have not been there before.
Questionable 3rd down short yardage play-calling has seemingly been a kryptonite of the Packers the past few years. So has playing with leads, timid play-calling rather than going for kill shot after kill shot.
When the Packers have been at their best in the LaFleur era, it’s when him and the quarterback are playing off one another and having the trust to rely on one another. An audible out of a play-call that may not align, or timeout to reset and communicate that.
Look at winning teams of the past, all-time great seasons, and quarterbacks. Players of Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady, Peyton Manning’s stature, each one would know when their team is not up to par with what they were capable of.
Part of what makes Jordan Love so special is his calming prescience, and inability to be shaken in the toughest moments. That will always be a trait needed in his career.
Yet to win an NFC North division title or enter the playoffs as higher than a 7th seed, Jordan Love has a great opportunity to take the next step not only in terms of where the team goes, but as a player, and leader of the Green Bay Packers.
Jordan Love calling more plays over Matt LaFleur only means we get more moments like this
Jordan wit the ball in his hands more often now is a scary sight for defenses pic.twitter.com/RkfqpiyNDd
— Blxze (@_Blxzer) September 1, 2026
Time for Jordan Love to drop the nonchalant gimmick and be a true leader like Rodgers was
Hold your teammates accountable for making dumb mistakes don’t hold back show it
Captain for 2nd straight season act like one pic.twitter.com/94Hrsf4JAg
— Blxze (@_Blxzer) September 4, 2026
“I expect this offense to replace Matt LaFleur with Jordan Love as the face of the offense.”
—@Hawk on what to expect from Jordan Love and the Green Bay Packers. pic.twitter.com/2lbFsuUlZv
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) September 1, 2026
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Luke Leavitt is a Contributor for Cheesehead TV, covering the Green Bay Packers. A Manchester by the Sea, Massachussetts native. Luke is a lifelong Packer fan, and 16-year shareholder. Keep up with Luke on X @LukeLeavitt7