Cory's Corner: So Many Are Counting One Guy
A lot is expected of Jordan Love. But even if the Packers struggle, he can still prove he's the guy.
It’s almost here.
The Packers first practice of the 2023 season is tomorrow morning.
This past offseason felt like it took forever because of the constant finger pointing. I’m not saying that Aaron Rodgers is completely wrong or the Packers are completely right, but the truth lies somewhere in the middle.
The time is now for Packers coach Matt LaFleur and Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst. They hitched their wagon to Jordan Love — the guy that has had virtually no experience as a pro and they were confident in putting their trust in No. 10.
That’s why I think Gutekunst is under the most pressure heading into this season. Ted Thompson was under the same scrutiny in 2008 after he traded Brett Favre to the New York Jets. In stepped the 25-year-old Rodgers. He threw for over 4,000 yards, but also tossed 13 picks en route to a 6-10 record.
Love will not turn 25 until Nov. 2 but his team is much deeper than the 2008 version. Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon are much more viable running options than Ryan Grant and Brandon Jackson. I think Jones and Dillon will be so good that they have a very good chance to be the first Packers running back tandem to rush for 1,000 yards apiece. Just think about that. This franchise has had guys like Jim Taylor, Ahman Green and John Brockington and it has never had another guy get 1,000 yards in the same season.
But even with all of the supporting cast, Love still has to show up. He still has to bring this offense and team together. He still has to galvanize one of the youngest wide receiving corps in the league.
At this point, I’ve seen and heard enough of Love’s teammates say that they would run through a brick wall for the former Utah State standout. I just want to see Love under center and see how he handles a third-and-7 with an edge rusher forcing him to make a quick decision.
Love has the physical tools to succeed, the question is whether he can be as cerebral as the quarterback that came before him. His presnap reads, what kinds of off-platform throws he can make and the variety of throws from darts to finesse.
“I’m comparing it a little bit to Aaron’s first year as a starter, yeah, I’d say at least half a season to know,” said Packers president Mark Murphy. “And I think even though we ended up with a losing record that year, but we saw enough of Aaron to know that we had something special.”
I’ve said all along that we will get a good idea of who Love is by Halloween. That’s seven games — including three NFC North contests. Basically, if Love can be a leader and own the huddle by the time you hand out candy, then we should be satisfied.
Even if the Packers struggle, there is a future for Love. We just need to see growth — and I think we are going to be pleasantly surprised.
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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 (38)
NickPerry
July 25, 2023 at 06:32 am
"I’ve said all along that we will get a good idea of who Love is by Halloween. That’s seven games — including three NFC North contests. Basically, if Love can be a leader and own the huddle by the time you hand out candy, then we should be satisfied."
I think the Packers will be somewhere around 5-2, maybe 4-3 by the time they kick the crap out of the Vikings on October 29th. But for the Packers to be 5-2, Joe Barry has to be allowing his Defense to play and win a game vs playing scared and not to lose a game. MLF has to be rocking that "Illusion of Complexity" in his offense, HELPING Love with a lot of scheming players open to go with a KILLER running game.
I for one will be looking forward to the time around Halloween and I can't wait. For one I'll have a good idea of what Love is, what kind of "Jump" Watson and Doubs might have taken, and what Reed, Musgrave, Kraft, and other youngsters might bring to the team.
Handsback
July 25, 2023 at 06:41 am
Well done Cory for managing our expectations. In my HO, if the Pack wins their first 2 games...they send a signal to the league.
If Love plays a major role in those 2 games, then watch out NFL, there's a new sheriff in Titletown.
Just MHO
GregC
July 25, 2023 at 06:44 am
Two 1,000 yard rushers seems highly unlikely to me, given how the game is played nowadays. I don't even think the Packers will be that much more run-oriented than they have been in the past. They let Mercedes Lewis go and appear ready to replace him mostly with a TE, Luke Musgrave, who looks to be much more receiving-oriented. That points more toward an emphasis on passing. But yes, they may run a little more to take pressure off Jordan Love. I'm thinking that overall the pass/run ratio will be about the same.
SicSemperTyrannis
July 26, 2023 at 10:31 pm
Greg, last year #33 & 28 combined for over 2,500 total yards (including receiving)
I'm not making any predictions for individual achievements but strictly rushing from scrimmage they were close to 2,000
egbertsouse
July 25, 2023 at 07:02 am
I don’t think Jones and Dillon will do as well as everyone thinks, at least not in the beginning of the season. I think teams will be crowding the line, making Love try to beat them. Not a lot of 2 deep safety looks like when Diva was under center. If and when defenses start to respect Love, you will see things loosen up for the run game.
Guam
July 25, 2023 at 07:30 am
I rarely agree with you, egbertsouse, but you have this one right. Jordan Love is going to see loaded boxes and lots of pressure until he proves he can reliably beat both. No DC in his right mind is going to sit back and let the Packers run the ball against light boxes when the Packers have an unproven QB1 and a very inexperienced receiving corps.
I think the Packer record in the first half of the season will very much depend on how quickly Love and LaFleur can figure out how to beat loaded boxes and pressure. By the second half of the season we will have a much better idea if Love is the QB of our future (and I think he is) and the running game should take off against more balanced defenses.
NickPerry
July 25, 2023 at 07:31 am
OI agree with you here...I think defenses will load up the box until Love proves he can beat them with some regularity. THIS is where LaFleur HAS to help his young QB much like Shanahan did with Brock Purdy.
Personally I think LaFleur is more than capable of helping his young QB start off well. Shanahan has to be the most overrated HC I can ever remember. I mean the dude FINALLY has a record above 500. Why can't MLF do the same thing with Love as Shanahan did with Purdy. It's certainly not out of the question. Plus is would be so cool to just knock that dweeb Shanahan down a few notches.
BUT, Love needs to start well. LaFleur needs to show WHY he was 39-10 his first 3 seasons for reasons OTHER than Rodgers. It starts with putting his QB in a position to succeed. IF he can put Love in that position, then I think Love delivers which OPENS up the "Running Game From Hell" with Jones and Dillon.
Lets GO!!!!
GregC
July 25, 2023 at 09:49 am
The 49ers have finished above .500 the past two seasons. And they went to the Super Bowl at the end of the 2020 season. To me, they've looked well-coached under Kyle Shanahan.
NickPerry
July 25, 2023 at 04:57 pm
My point is it took him SIX seasons to get above 500. People talk about him like he's Belichick or some kind of coaching God but he hasn't won a thing.
I just think it's poured on a little heavy when it comes to Shanahan is all.
PeteK
July 25, 2023 at 08:04 am
I agree, however a long TD reception by Watson and defenses will be reminded how lethal he really is. Then the pounding of the rock will commence, of course only if Myers and company show improvement.
greengold
July 25, 2023 at 09:32 am
2 or 3 quick shot over the middle says otherwise. I don’t disagree that teams will try that, but this Packers team has plenty of weapons to counter. When is the last time GB fielded 3 or 4 WRs who run 4.3s?
Never.
Then there’s both Musgrave & Kraft…
Runs will set up the pass as much as the pass will set up the runs. Illusion of Complexity forces opponents into bad coverages. Can’t wait to finally see that.
In addition, we can face defenses straight up and outmatch them with the skill talent on board.
SicSemperTyrannis
July 26, 2023 at 10:38 pm
GG, Dusty showed us several plays that involve more than 4 possible targets. If 4 with 4.3x speed were set loose on the same play? Somebody's getting open :)
You don't have to do that very many times before it's a game changer. Should be a fun year
GPG!
greengold
July 27, 2023 at 03:50 am
Absolutely, SST! Now that TC is underway, I’ll be looking forward to JL dialing in the long ball with that canon.
Is it possible GB’s offense in 2023 comes anywhere close to the 7,335 total offensive yards of “The Greatest Show on Turf?”
More than 5,000 of those were passing yards.
We’ve been SO stagnant, SO predictable for SO long… I believe all of that is about to change.
“Young team!” “With what receivers?” “What has Love done? Nothing!” We’ve heard it all, and so have the Packers. Those challenges can have a powerful, solidifying effect upon a talented team already unified by youth.
I also think one outlier not named “Melton” will have a very positive impact: Dontayvion Wicks. He has a very different, unique kind of speed. Separation at the LOS for miles. Routes. BURST. NUANCE. Contested catch winner.
He’s gifted enough to be the new Separation King in Green Bay with plus hands. Watch it happen. Outlier extraordinaire.
It’s going to take time for Love and his new receivers to get into a comfort zone, but that time is now.
This will be fun. 100%.
RCPackerFan
July 25, 2023 at 09:45 am
This is something I have thought of as well. I think teams will try and take away GB's running game.
Which is why being unpredictable on offense will be one of the keys. Being able to hit the deep ball will also be a key. We already know that Watson can be a lethal target downfield. But we also have a few other players that can stretch the defenses out. Reed, Musgrave and Wicks could all be deep threats. The overall speed at our WR position has improved, and that will make it harder for teams to load up the box.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
July 25, 2023 at 10:21 am
Yeah they'll crowd the line.....till Love and Watson hook up for a 75 yd td.
jannesbjornson
July 25, 2023 at 03:28 pm
Then run the same go route to Watson on the very first play of the season and blow their minds. No point playing timid, this is an O line set up for pass pro, not power rushing.
SicSemperTyrannis
July 26, 2023 at 10:40 pm
I think the run protection on our front line will be improved.
greengold
July 25, 2023 at 07:21 am
TWO 1000 yd. rushers? That’s the special sauce right there.
Love has already started galvanizing a young WR corps. with TWO off-season workouts in California. That’s only going to strengthen this group as they hit TC tomorrow.
LaFleur making good use of a power running attack will help solidify his young WRs & TEs, opening up every concept for Jordan Love in the passing game.
OL love teeing off against their opponents in run blocking. Maulers. Use them. Controlling clock with long, sustained drives with a heavy dose of Jones & Dillon with Love under Center would be some smart football through our first 4 weeks.
@CHI
@ATL
NO
DET
@LVR
@DEN
MIN
LAR
@PIT
LAC
@DET
KC
@NYG
TB
@CAR
@MIN
CHI
With the new talent added, our Packers passing game will be potent no matter what. Watson, Doubs, Reed, Musgrave, Melton, Wicks, Kraft, Toure… they all are capable of explosive plays.
Those first 4-5 weeks should prove a good test of our new run D too. Bring it.
LFG GPG
stockholder
July 25, 2023 at 07:26 am
I won’t turn Lambeau into the twilight Zone yet.
But I for one see buyer remorse with Love.
The experts gave the packers, pretty Low marks
for that draft.
And now were going against them, in their assessment
for this season.
Believing there is a “Future" for Love;
is the biggest mistake for “Accountability” ever.
That Outlook fits “THE Pack will Be Back Years”.
We need to see more than Growth Cory.
HE must be the next QB for the decade.
Love must be the next “Franchise” QB.
Gutey went against the experts.
If Love is the Gem he predicted.
The strength of the team will be obvious.
PeteK
July 25, 2023 at 08:08 am
I would be satisfied with a Garcia (replaced Young) type of performance.
13TimeChamps
July 25, 2023 at 08:25 am
"....but this team is much deeper than the 2008 version."
Charles Woodson
Al Harris
Tramon Williams
Nick Collins
Desmond Bishop
Cullen Jenkins
Ryan Pickett
Johnny Jolly
Aaron Kampman
KGB
Chad Clifton
Mark Tauscher
Josh Sitton
Scott Wells
Donald Driver
Jordy Nelson
Greg Jennings
James Jones
Donald Lee
Jermichael Finley
Mason Crosby
Matt Flynn
Really? Much deeper?
RCPackerFan
July 25, 2023 at 08:33 am
While I agree with you, remember that in 2008, Josh Sitton, Jordy Nelson, Jermichael Finley and Matt Flynn were rookies. Desmond Bishop, James Jones, and Mason Crosby were 2nd year players.
They weren't established veterans nor the players that we know today looking back.
13TimeChamps
July 25, 2023 at 08:48 am
Aren't we also pinning a lot of hope on 1st and 2nd year players this time around? Aren't we the youngest team in the league this year?
My only point was to dispute the notion that our 2023 team is "much deeper" than the 2008 team, when that's not even close to being true.
I think Green Bay will be very competitive in the North this year. Folks are all over the place with their projections. I just don't think making silly statements like we're much deeper than the 2008 team is very helpful.
But to each their own I guess. It should be a fun ride.
RCPackerFan
July 25, 2023 at 09:27 am
I get the point you are making. I mostly agree with you. I was just pointing out that those players that I listed were rookies/2nd year players and weren't playing at the level that we knew they eventually went on to play at. At this point that year we had no clue how those players would turn out (especially the rookies).
We are pinning a lot of hope to 1st and 2nd year players now, correct. Especially in the passing game. But we also have some very key veterans on this roster as well. We have Jones, Dillon, Bakhtiari, Jenkins, Clark, Gary, Smith, Campbell, Alexander, Douglas.
We do have a pretty good group of veterans. So i don't think the comment is that far off that this team being as deep as 2008.
13TimeChamps
July 25, 2023 at 10:09 am
Not to belabor the point, but the article said "much" deeper than 2008, not "as" deep. A fairly large distinction IMO. I also agree we have a pretty/very good group of veterans, which gives me hope for a competitive year.
If our 1st and 2nd year players evolve and progress like their 2008 counterparts, 2024/25 will be looking so bright, we'll need to wear shades!
Spock
July 25, 2023 at 08:42 am
13, My reaction was similar.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
July 25, 2023 at 10:23 am
Sitton, Nelson, Finley, and others hadnt come into their prime yet, a lot like this current team. From a purely talent perspective, the current roster has the 2008 roster beat.
SicSemperTyrannis
July 26, 2023 at 10:43 pm
Thank you 13, that's what I was thinking.
RCPackerFan
July 25, 2023 at 08:28 am
At this point none of us know what Love will be as a starting QB. We have no idea how good or bad this season will go.
But the first steps to finding out starts tomorrow.
When Rodgers took over he had some established veteran WR's. Love won't have that luxury. He doesn't have a Donald Driver and Greg Jennings ready for him. But he does have a good OL in front of him and really good RB's behind him. He also has a scheme that will allow the RB's to be the main focal point of the offense.
"I’ve said all along that we will get a good idea of who Love is by Halloween. That’s seven games — including three NFC North contests."
I think this is pretty fair. But I don't know if we will know how good the offense will be by then with the young WR's and TE's. We will likely have 3 2nd year WR's, 2 rookie TE's, and possibly 3 rookie WR's. That is a lot of youth trying to catch passes. We won't always know if Love threw inaccurately, or if the WR ran a wrong route or whatever.
Things won't always look pretty, but we need to improvement and growth as the season goes on.
I just know I can't wait for this to get started!
Go Pack Go!
TarynsEyes
July 25, 2023 at 10:20 am
Love has two years to show he is the future, not 7 weeks. Seven weeks will, or should give us a sound idea as to what needs to change, upgraded, altered, as to roster, starters, scheme etc. Naturally, if Love is the main reason for a horrible start where his play is so obviously bad, next year may start to look bleak also.
I'm not singing 'All You Need is Love', nor am I boarding 'The Love Train' just yet, but seven weeks should give us an idea how STRONG and Steady the wheels are on the tracks.
SicSemperTyrannis
July 26, 2023 at 10:45 pm
Yes. Hopefully MM's statement about 7 weeks gets him removed from football operations entirely and doesn't phase JL10.
croatpackfan
July 25, 2023 at 10:31 am
If it is truth in claims that FPQB heavily changes plays at line of the scrimmage from called one, than we really can not tell what kind of offense Packers young team will present. On the other hand, we have confirmation from several sources that at least some of the called plays were changed by FPQB, even to the level that play he (FPQB) would call was from several years ago, and were never practice during the last season. No wonder why there were so many missunderstandings and wrong routes from young Packers pass catchers. Part of the responsibility for that lays on MLF, who, as far as we know, never tried to discuss about those calls at line of scrimmage with FPQB. That was disfunctional offense. Also, if those changed plays were rare and not numerous than part (large one) lays on MLF game plan and plays called from the sideline.
It is unfair that the result of the season falls on ones back, on the shoulder of Jordan Love. I already explained that team success is not result of one player or one play, but the result of the team. On the other side, losses can be attributed to one person, and that person is QB. Why? Because everything starts with him, every play starts with the snap and ball in hands of QB. If he do not perform well, all other players on the offense can't help him.
Of course thar D can lose games, no matter how good O or ST plays, and in that case we can judge QB by offensive performance, not by team record.
I have high hopes for Jordan Love. First he sounds like very balanced person, competitive, driven by wish to win and calm. All the qualities demanded to be successful. Talent and arm strength is present. He is also fast learner, rarely makes same mistake twice. As many here I can not wait start of the season.
Wisma Packer
July 25, 2023 at 10:52 am
Hey Croat! Question for you... (assuming that you live outside US, which I think is a valid assumption 😊)
Last November when I travelled to India, I was unable to view anything on CheeseheadTV.com. It gave me a message "your location is not approved/authorized to view this site" or something like that.
Do you have to do something special to be able to view the website? Maybe use a VPN or something that makes my computer think it is in US? (I cannot do that, as I use my official computer, and it has its own VPN).
On July 31st I'm going to India for a few weeks ... it would be a bummer if I cannot view my favorite website!
greengold
July 25, 2023 at 11:01 am
Wish I could help but safe travels, PeWauKee!
croatpackfan
July 25, 2023 at 11:58 am
No, I do not have or use anything special. Every time I entering CheeseheadTV I got message that: "Checking if the site connection is secure..." After few seconds it grants access. And that is regular.
I have to warn you that I can not access CHTV page directly, but through chrome or other browsers. Their application not allows me in.
ricky
July 25, 2023 at 10:40 am
Yes, Love has the physical tools to be a good QB. Yes, we are all hoping to see him develop as the season goes on. And especially, yes, it's time for training camp to open, so there will be some real news and topics to discuss. And, of course, we are hoping that the running game will be able to take some pressure off of Love. I still believe that opposing defenses will stack the box, trying to stifle the running game and daring Love to beat them with his arm. But to suggest both Jones and Dillon will rush for over 1000 yards? That is a very bold prediction, since only seven teams have accomplished this feat. But, sure, it could happen. But a lot is going to depend on factors we have no control over, especially injuries. So, thank goodness that the "dead time" is finally going to end.
Wisma Packer
July 25, 2023 at 10:57 am
"Cory's Corner: So Many Are Counting One Guy"
Cory's Corner: So Many Are Counting On One Guy.
There! Fixed it!
In case someone has restricted you to 43 characters, then you can use:
Cory's Corner: So Many Are Counting On 1 Guy
davekenya
July 25, 2023 at 11:38 am
We also have to keep in mind that #10 is working with an extremely young group of WRs and TEs - extremely inexperienced. AR was able to audible out of many looks the defense presented and he could be 'fairly' confident that his experienced WRs would run the right route adjustments. There will be MANY more receiver mistakes and failures. Expect there to be lots of 'group growing pains'. Love may throw more ints...throw balls to places where there is no WR at all...because he expected a WR to cut off a route or run it differently...and the WR didn't pick up on this change at the LOS as Love was audibilizing.
Defenses know that both Love and his receiving targets are extremely inexperienced working together compared to tandems that have worked together for years and will obviously exploit this with many last-second, changing pre-snap defensive fronts.
Just know that may look like Love screwing up may not be his error(s).