In 2022, the Green Bay Packers finished the season 8-9 and missed the NFL Playoffs for the first time in Matt LaFleur‘s tenure as head coach. While the entire season was one giant frustration, all the team needed to do was defeat the Detroit Lions in Week 18 in order to clinch the final Wild Card spot in the NFC. However, then-starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers threw an interception late in the game, ending Green Bay’s postseason hopes.
And, as it turns out, his time with the Packers.
Following the 2022 season, Green Bay decided that it was time to move on from the four-time NFL MVP and hand the reins of the offense over to Jordan Love.
Jordan Love Has Led the Green Bay Packers to the NFL Playoffs in Each of the Past 2 Seasons
Jan 5, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) throws a pass during warmups prior to the game against the Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Jan 5, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) throws a pass during warmups prior to the game against the Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
In his first season as the Packers’ starting quarterback, Love led the team to a 9-8 record and a Wild Card berth in the NFL Playoffs. Additionally, Green Bay upset their former coach, Mike McCarthy, and the Dallas Cowboys in the first round.
For his part, Love had a 64.2% completion percentage, 4,159 yards, 32 touchdowns (second in the NFL), 11 interceptions, and a 96.1 passer rating.
After a successful first season as the starting quarterback, many expected Love to be even better in 2024. This was especially true after he signed a four-year $220 million contract extension during training camp.
And the Packers were a better team in 2024, finishing 11-6, though they were eliminated in the Wild Card round by the eventual Super Bowl champions, the Philadelphia Eagles.
Love, who missed two games early in the season with a sprained MCL, and battled a groin injury in the second half of the season, finished the year with a 63.1% completion percentage, 3,389 yards, 25 touchdowns, 11 interceptions, and a 96.7 passer rating.
Green Bay Packers Head Coach Claps Back at Jordan Love Regression Talk
Green Bay Packers, Chicago Bears, NFL History
Jan 7, 2024; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) looks to throw a pass during the second quarter against the Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Many fans and analysts have made the claim that, based off of his stats, Love took a step back in 2024 compared to 2023. His head coach, however, does not believe that is the case.
Earlier this week, when asked about Love’s supposed regression, LaFleur said the following:
“I mean, what is a step back is what I’d ask? You know what I mean? Everybody has different opinions, things like that. You got to block that stuff out. It’s all about the goals of the team at the end of the day. I’d say we won more games than we did the year before. That’s why I ask people, ‘What is a step back?'”
Love himself did not deny that there were times that he could have played better last season. He also stated that his leg injuries did make playing difficult. However, he refused to use them as an excuse for his poor decisions on bad throws or turnovers.
That being said, it will be interesting to see how good a healthy Love will be in his third year as the starter.
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