Cory's Corner: Jordan Love Sounds Like A Veteran
The second-year pro is saying all the right things.
There is one guy that will be the personification of the Packers preseason this year.
And that’s Jordan Love.
You remember him right? Back on April 29, it appeared that Love would be the starting quarterback for the Green Bay Packers.
Then Aaron Rodgers came back at the 11th hour and is now throwing darts all over the practice field.
“Didn’t really know what to expect going into it,” said Love, who was the 26th overall pick in 2020. “Obviously these are going to be the two options: either he’s back or he wasn’t. Obviously, it’s very great to have Aaron back. On this team, obviously, he’s a huge presence at the quarterback position and in the locker room and on the team as well.”
It was just a mindset that needed to be changed. It isn’t exactly flipping a switch from backup to starter in the blink of an eye — especially for a guy that didn’t even put on a gameday uniform one time last season.
“The whole time I had to convince myself that I was going to be the starter,” Love said. “That’s the only way you can kind of look at that situation. I feel if you don’t, you won’t be ready. That’s how I looked at it the whole way, in my head if he wasn’t coming back, I got to get myself ready to be the starter.”
But that’s not what Love focused on. He mainly hit on how much of a pseudo coach Rodgers could be and has been. Just being able to take in NFL knowledge through osmosis has been proving invaluable, not just for Love but for the Packers as a whole.
“The biggest thing for me is just being able to watch him,” Love said. “Being able to watch Aaron’s footwork and see just the tempo and the control he can have at the top of his drop. That’s one thing that I’m still trying to improve my game and just keep watching him and trying to mimic it as much as I can.”
Oscar Wilde said it best, “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.” Love knows that people aren’t lining up outside of Ray Nitschke Field just to get a glimpse of a guy that we know nothing about. People want to see Rodgers sling it all over the place and they want to see his Hollywood smile. Basically, a big reason people show up in droves is because they want to see something they haven’t seen before.
We all know who Rodgers is and what to expect out of the guy that is entering his 14th season as a starter. Love is on the other end of the spectrum — his book hasn’t been written yet.
“The last time I played in a game was the Senior Bowl coming out of college over a year-and-a-half ago I think,” Love said. “I’m super excited. This is the moment I’ve been preparing for. It’s almost like I’ve been training a year for this first preseason game.”
Love mentioned that the two things that he has improved on has been his footwork and his ability to read defenses presnap. Not coincidentally, Rodgers is very good at those two things.
And if you’re wondering if things are weird between the first round draft pick and the successful veteran, you’d be wrong.
“Aaron’s been open since Day 1,” Love said. “I can ask him anything.”
Jordan Love will be speaking to the media this afternoon. Working the net drill with the QBs presently #Packers pic.twitter.com/J1UXjpRIpG
— Wes Hodkiewicz (@WesHod) August 5, 2021
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Cory Jennerjohn is a graduate from UW-Oshkosh and has been in sports media for over 15 years. He was a co-host on "Clubhouse Live" and has also done various radio and TV work as well. He has written for newspapers, magazines and websites. He currently is a columnist for CHTV and also does various podcasts. He recently earned his Masters degree from the University of Iowa. He can be found on Twitter: @Coryjennerjohn
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Comments (36)
Roadrunner23
August 07, 2021 at 06:56 am
I like the kid, I really do and he says all the right things, has a strong arm, good size, well liked in the locker room, physically gifted, good looking and intelligent.
Packer scouts loved his college film.
But, he’s prone to throwing into double and even triple coverage and throws the “killer” pick a lot!
This is eerily reminiscent of Deshone Kiser, I hope he’s not.
ND
jurp
August 07, 2021 at 08:20 am
Throwing into double and triple coverage, and throwing a "killer" pick are more reminiscent of Favre than Kizer.
Roadrunner23
August 07, 2021 at 08:40 am
Let’s hope so :)
LambeauPlain
August 07, 2021 at 11:07 am
Love didn't throw that many INTs in college. In fact Love and Rodgers college stats are very much alike....Rodgers posted a slightly higher passer rating while Love threw for more yards and TDs.
The few ints he threw in a few camp practices don't concern me. Those will be coaching clinics.
Roadrunner23
August 07, 2021 at 11:21 am
I hope your right, I would “Love” to be wrong on this one :)
murf7777
August 08, 2021 at 08:26 am
I certainly saw that in his Senior film and not so much in his Junior. I suspect he was trying to do to much due to roster turnover in his Senior year. Will he learn from that experience and the experience of watching the QB that has thrown the least percentage of INT’s is the big question. Time will tell.
stockholder
August 07, 2021 at 07:06 am
Why is he still news? The press is still, way too obsessed with Love. The talk out of camp is Rodgers. And how he looks. His incredible throws. Isn't that what we should hear? How Love throws the ball? If I wanted talk, I'd watch the WWF. This is nothing but distraction now. The press still wants to promote a fight. Why Stay Tuned. I'm ready for football.
Crankbait
August 07, 2021 at 10:39 am
Yes, sometimes that's what the press does. Create controversy .
LambeauPlain
August 07, 2021 at 11:12 am
Don't read the article, then. We had a lot of reporting on camp plays, passes, defense etc.
The young man went threw a lot of controversy not of his doing. I enjoy reading about life in the NFL on and off the field. The more I read about Love the more I like.
porupack
August 07, 2021 at 07:06 am
It has to be a difficult situation for Love, with such a wide difference in mindset; one day being the probable starter and suddenly likely to sit 99% of the time. But, he's handled it well it seems, and can only make him more resilient and ready at moment's notice to be in the huddle if Rodgers get's injured.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
August 07, 2021 at 07:32 am
Agree with everyone's comments!
Jordan has everything one can want in a young QB. Now can he observe Rodger's game, and change his approach to minimize turn overs? This year should be the perfect tune up for him as I expect the Packers want him to get a fair amount of live action.
mnbadger
August 07, 2021 at 07:44 am
right now I don't care what he sounds like. I want him to to WORK 24/7 on all aspects of his craft. Time spent in front of a mic or camera won't advance his value to the team. With AR12 back, my only question about the backup qb is do we have one that can run the offense? One that won't derail it with physical and/or mental incompetence. His words mean nothing until he earns the right to share them. GPG
Irish_Cheesehead
August 07, 2021 at 08:35 am
His words mean nothing until he earns the right to share them????
mnbadger
August 09, 2021 at 11:32 pm
He hasn't even dressed for a game yet, why should I care about his thoughts? Do something, hopefully do it well, or not. then tell me why it worked or what you've learned from it. At this point his thoughts are no more insightful than the guy who just replaced my muffler. Nothing against him, just too early. I care more about what he does than what he says. GPG!
ricky
August 07, 2021 at 07:48 am
Could there be a possibility that Rodgers is acting as a true mentor for Love? That he is doing his best to get Love ready to take over as QB next season? That Rodgers doesn't hate the Packers, but doesn't like the way they handle their veteran players; that the front office doesn't want input from himself, which he conisders a valuable asset? And spending fourteen years as a starting QB, two time MVP and SB winner, maybe he does have some insight into what it takes to be a winner. That, maybe, Love is showing the same kind of poise and maturity that Rodgers displayed during the very difficult transition from Favre? It seems that way.
Packers0808
August 07, 2021 at 07:53 am
He says all the right things, but can he do all right things? Time will tell and sure we will get some answers soon. Go Mr. Love and do well going forward is my hope for you!
Packers0808
August 07, 2021 at 11:02 am
Thumbs down on wishing someone well. Must be some really unhappy folks out there with themselves! Geez!
Dr.Rodgers
August 07, 2021 at 11:15 am
Sad the way some people are out there with themselves. I’m extremely disappointed! Jeez people.
WestWi_Packfan
August 07, 2021 at 09:06 am
How lucky would we be to get another HOF type QB 3 times in a row, I sure hope so but what are the odds of that? If Rodgers does indeed leave next year then I wouldn't be against the acquisition of another FA QB to go along with Benkert just in case Love doesn't pan out. I have no reason yet to think he wont but three great ones in a row would be tremendous good luck.
PatrickGB
August 07, 2021 at 09:21 am
Good luck indeed. But, realistically, a better than average QB who fits the system would be ok too. And with a big increase in cap money to build a great system around him would be nice.
NickPerry
August 07, 2021 at 10:08 am
With the TEAM Gute has/is building, the Packers don't necessarily need a another HOF QB. Hell, I'd settle for really good.
On the other hand if Love does become a HOF type talent, I'm sure in the hell not going to feel bad for the fans of 31 other teams.
Crankbait
August 07, 2021 at 10:45 am
Not only lucky, but it would send Bears and Vikings fans into assuming the fetal position sucking their thumbs.
Now that is glorious.
mnbadger
August 14, 2021 at 10:48 am
they'll start doing that around week 6 no matter who's throwing td's for the Pack. It happens every year, right about the Time the leaves have fallen from the trees. Here in Minnesota, it's a seasonal marker. GPG!
Lphill
August 07, 2021 at 09:45 am
A QB scout wrote that reading the defense is the hardest part of the job and the longer it takes to acquire that talent is what defines an NFL QB .
NickPerry
August 07, 2021 at 10:28 am
MLF pumped his fist when this kid was drafted he was so excited the Packers were able to draft him. MLF is also the only HC that Love has had to learn from which IMO is a huge advantage. Yes, he gets to learn from Rodgers and watch one of the best QB's in NFL history. But how many 1st round QB's are drafted and move from one system to the next, one HC to the next, and/or one OC to the next. Hell, IMO that's what ends up screwing some of young QB's who fail more than anything.
Rodgers is one of the best ever, no doubt about it. But Love just might bring something to the offense Rodgers can't, at least at the age of 37 going on 38, isn't able to do anymore. WAY to much is made of his last season in college. 10 new starters on offense, a new HC and OC. Hell Mahomes had Mike Leach for 3 years. Love ended his college career with Gary Anderson...Not exactly an offensive guru. I mean come on, the kid was SET-UP to fail. I'll tell you this too, I'd much, MUCH rather see my QB throwing into double and triple coverage TRYING to win a game, opposed throwing it away or dinking and dunking it.
I'm glad Love is here and I believe the kid will do just fine. I'm sure they'll be lumps along the way, there was with Favre and Rodgers too. But at the start of next season armed with all the EXTRA picks and maybe a player or two obtained in the Rodgers trade, and a pretty damn good football team already in place, a REALLY GOOD Jordan Love will be just fine.
Packers0808
August 07, 2021 at 10:54 am
Sure is a lot of assumption and/or speculation that it is forgone conclusion Rodgers is gone next year! I don't think it will happen. Rodgers wants I think too much to end his career of Pro Ball where it started!
Packers0808
August 07, 2021 at 10:54 am
Sure is a lot of assumption and/or speculation that it is forgone conclusion Rodgers is gone next year! I don't think it will happen. Rodgers wants I think too much to end his career of Pro Ball where it started!
Packers0808
August 07, 2021 at 10:56 am
oops double post again!
LambeauPlain
August 07, 2021 at 11:23 am
Rodgers contract almost guarantees he's gone in 2022.....unless he takes a huge pay cut (he won't) or the Packers gut the team (Gutey won't do that).
They are already between $42-$50 million OVER the cap for 2022.
HawkPacker
August 07, 2021 at 01:30 pm
I would agree with you on that 0808.
Just think if he would retire from GB in 3 years and at that time not have much left in the tank so no trade at that point! However, if he would get traded next year (two year's sooner) think of the players and or picks we would get. That would not be too bad either.
Duneslick
August 07, 2021 at 11:51 am
Forgot about the 50 million dollar over the cap salary situation next year that does not include D Adams Lazard Tonyan MVS or Jaires 5th year extension. in cap numbers at all.
croatpackfan
August 10, 2021 at 06:48 am
I believe you can add 5th year only for 1st round picks...
Crankbait
August 07, 2021 at 10:36 am
Sounds like a good kid .
Crankbait
August 07, 2021 at 10:36 am
Sounds like a good kid .
TarynsEyes
August 07, 2021 at 11:00 am
He says everything that would be expected of him to say, It's as close to a 'copy and pastes' prewritten spiel offered by every QB at one time or for some many times throughout their careers. It's like every player saying how great or it's the best organization he's ever been with after leaving one he's been with for 10 years. Talk is cheap and every player, especially QB's spout this type and level of spiel. Keep the words until you show me on the field in games what you are and he'll speak his true feelings.
Rodgers talked about how great Favre was with him until the separation come to be real and then they didn't talk to each other for a long time and the big hug and handshake at the Espy's.
HawkPacker
August 07, 2021 at 01:32 pm
Taryn you could be right. We don't really know.
However, what if he did not talk that way and was the opposite? That would not be good at all. So it depends on how you look at it.
His response was just fine.