In Jordan Love, the Green Bay Packers have an infuriating controversy of a quarterback. At times, Love flashes franchise passer potential, putting a masterful touch on dimes across the middle. At others, he throws head-scratching interceptions. He can seem mechanically discombobulated, making ill-advised back-foot tosses. But the talent is there, and by the numbers, he was actually quite solid – borderline elite in some categories – under center last season. His gunslinging tendencies, says NFL analyst Ollie Connelly, a guest on “The Mina Kimes Show” last week, are keeping him from reaching the next level.
“Unhinged” But Highly Rated
Last week’s edition of Kimes’ podcast featured a quarterback draft on the premise of starting from scratch and building a team for the next three years. Picking 9th, Connelly selected Love. Despite his criticisms, he is also enamored with Love’s game.
“It is partly a heart pick for me,” said Connelly. “I think he’s the best show going in football. I think he’s the most entertaining quarterback to watch in the league right now. There’s some real unhinged, Matthew-Stafford type stuff in there, without some of the Stafford precision.”
Effusive over Love’s upside, Connelly credited him with making probably four out of the five best throws in the league last season.
Jordan Love, Green Bay Packers
Dec 15, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) throws a touchdown pass against the Seattle Seahawks during the fourth quarter at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
Kimes noted that Love ranked surprisingly high in several statistical categories: fifth in QBR and fourth in DVOA (Defense-Adjusted Value Over Average, measuring performance compared to the rest of the league in similar play scenarios). He was also sacked at the second-lowest rate off of pressures, demonstrating high-level escapability and playmaking.
Of course, that lack of precision alongside the wow-moments is the crux of Love’s problem. In the Packers’ playoff loss to the Eagles, under constant pressure from Philly’s ferocious pass rush, Love threw for no touchdowns and three picks, helping to ensure that the offense never got off the ground. Though his struggles were hardly the only issue in a woeful team performance, his final giveaway fittingly sealed the game and served as Green Bay’s last offensive play of the season.
Jordan Love, Green Bay Packers
Jan 12, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter (98) puts pressure on Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) in an NFC wild card game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Jordan Love Must Ditch Bad Habit To Lead Green Bay Packers Further
Despite Love’s tantalizing talent, a lack of sound mechanics is creating bad habits, says Connelly, leading the young quarterback on a concerning developmental trajectory.
I do think he’s really veering into the bad parts of Josh Allen a couple of seasons ago, where it’s true arm arrogance. Where he has just given up any hope of where his feet are supposed to be, how he’s supposed to navigate the pocket, and it’s such arm arrogance – to a point where defensive coaches have caught up to him now, with how he wants to play, how he wants to attack the field.
Green Bay Packers, Jordan Love
Jan 12, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) against the Philadelphia Eagles in an NFC wild card game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
In order to elevate his game, Love needs to clean up his footwork and decision-making. With the current version of himself, the Packers can only go so far. Yet Love is still only 26 years old, has only two full seasons under his belt, and has had some time to undergo growing pains. In year three, with any so-called sophomore slump out of the way, he must avoid regression and make progress in problem areas. Connelly, for one, thinks he is equipped to do so.
I have some concerns, but he’s always been a guy where he has a maniacal work ethic. Maniacal. And I think he really wants to be one of the greats. There’s still skill issues in his game, but every year I see little developments, little improvements in there that I just think he’s going to improve.
For the Packers to improve on their demoralizing finish last season, Love needs to make meaningful strides toward maturing as a QB.
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