Packers Fans Need to Take Aaron Rodgers' Advice on Jordan Love
By GilMartin
For the first time since 2008, the Green Bay Packers start training camp with a new starting quarterback. Jordan Love takes over for the now departed Aaron Rodgers. Love has started only one NFL game in his career after sitting behind his predecessor for three years.
Love is not the only newcomer to the Packers lineup. The offense features a lot of inexperienced players, especially at wide receiver at tight end. There are no wideouts on the roster with more than one year of NFL experience. At tight end, both favorites to start are rookies selected on day two of this year’s NFL Draft in Luke Musgrave and Tucker Kraft.
Over the first few days of training camp, Love’s performance was up and down. He completed 12-of-28 passes and struggled completing deep passes on a windy day on Wednesday. Friday’s practice was at half speed and really the same as the earlier sessions.
Predictably, some critics of Love and some Packers haters out there were quick to jump on the overreaction bandwagon. They claimed Love was terrible, was a reach when the Packers picked him late in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft and would never develop into a quality starting quarterback in the NFL.
To quote Aaron Rodgers, “R-E-L-A-X.”
This season will be a learning process for Love and a lot of the Packers young players. Expecting Love to be like MVP Aaron Rodgers in his first season as the Packers starter is not realistic.
The most likely outcome is that Love will have some moments when he looks great and shows the skills that made him a first-round pick in the first place. Then there will be other moments when the former Utah State star struggles to make the right read or when the young receivers aren’t on the same page as their quarterback.
These moments are sure to happen at some point during the season. The issue will not be preventing them from happening altogether but how Love responds when they do occur. Will he get down on himself and lose confidence or will he bounce back and come out ready to do better the next time he heads onto the field?
“It’s going to be a different role for him, certainly, and I think we all have to kind of temper our expectations for him,” LaFleur told reporters during the offseason. “It’s different when you’re going into a game versus when you’re starting a game. It’s going to be a process, but it’s going to be exciting for him [and] for us.”
So far, Love has handled a difficult situation with class. He has worked hard and made sure not to step on Rodgers’ toes the last three years while learning the offense, improving his reads and footwork and making himself a better player.
This offseason, he worked with his young receivers and some running backs in California where he held informal passing camps for his teammates. He is doing all he can to speed up the learning process and development of chemistry between himself and his young teammates.
Love also attended all voluntary OTAs and, unlike Rodgers, will likely see plenty of action this preseason so he can get on the field in game conditions as often as possible.
In 2008, which was Rodgers’ first season as the starter, he also struggled at times, especially in the red zone. The Packers went 6-10 and lost seven games by four points or less in part due to the inexperienced Rodgers’ struggles in the red zone.
Then head coach Mike McCarthy had this to say about Rodgers, his first-year starter, after a close overtime loss late in the 2008 season that saw the Packers score just one touchdown in four trips inside the opposing 20. “Disappointed offensively with the red-zone production. We had a number of minus decisions down there. We need to do a better job of taking what the defense gives us, staying within the offense. Our decision-making was poor as a whole in the red zone, and it factored in the outcome in a number of those series.”
The reason Rodgers’ first season as a starter was considered a success despite these growing pains and a 6-10 record is because before the season was over, the Packers could see how good Rodgers could be. If Love can show he can develop into a quality starter and be noticeably better at the end of the season than he was at the beginning, then the Packers will have something to build around.
For now, just relax and let the process play out. Love will have his good days in training camp and his bad days. Fans shouldn’t overreact to either.
You can follow Gil Martin on Twitter @GilPackers
Comments (35)
Since'61
July 29, 2023 at 12:13 pm
Have patience. Give the guy a chance. This article points out exactly why Murphy's comments about half a season for Love to show what he can do is so totally unfair. He Love looks solid after the first 8-9 games, great. But if he doesn't he still should be allowed the remainder of this season and his second season to prove whether or not he can be the long term guy for the Packers. There are so many variable which can affect any QBs play but this is particularly true for a first/second year QB.
Love needs to be allowed to reach the point where the game slows down for him. One play, one game at a time. It's only fair. Thanks, Since '61
GregC
July 29, 2023 at 12:43 pm
The question with Murphy is always this: Is he being stupid, or is he just saying something stupid? In this particular case, I'm guessing it's the latter. Murphy has to know that the Packers leadership is not going to give Jordan Love the hook if he struggles in the first half of the season. I think Love just needs to show some promise and the ability to put together some stretches of strong play.
marpag1
July 29, 2023 at 01:46 pm
"Murphy has to know that the Packers leadership is not going to give Jordan Love the hook if he struggles in the first half of the season."
Murphy is the leadership. And yes, he knows that. Um... that's why he said it, you see.
"I think Love just needs to show some promise and the ability to put together some stretches of strong play."
This is exactly what Murphy is saying, and you are calling him stupid for saying the same as you did?
Ya_tittle
July 29, 2023 at 06:53 pm
Murphy is a moron, as the evidence has shown repeatedly.
marpag1
July 29, 2023 at 01:35 pm
Geez. As the article said, “Relax.”
Murphy did not say half a season. He said, “AT LEAST half a season.”
He did not say that Love would be pulled immediately in week 9 if he doesn't look great. (Or anything like that). He was asked how long it would take to evaluate Love and to feel confident that he is the future. He said, “At least half a season to know.”
He didn’t say Love needs to be a superhero or to have amazing, unrealistic stats. He clearly said, “There will probably be some ups and downs with Jordan.”
He did not say that Packers must win a lot of games or be in playoff contention. He said, “Comparing it a little bit to Aaron’s first year as a starter… even though we ended up with a losing record that year [with Rodgers], we saw enough of Aaron to know that we had something special.”
Murphy is saying that the Packers will NOT jump to conclusions and will NOT give a quick hook to Love, and they will NOT expect him to set the world on fire immediately.
MLF and Gutey have also done their part to walk back the wild expectations that some people have for a third HOFer in a row. Of course they have… repeatedly. Every sane minded coach, GM or CEO would do the same thing.
Murphy also said that drafting Love “put us in a position where we feel we can be competitive in the long term."
R-E-L-A-X
LPPAKer
July 30, 2023 at 06:27 am
You are correct. People like to read only what they want and leave out the most important parts of what someone said, “at least”
jannesbjornson
July 29, 2023 at 02:53 pm
The guy suffers from " foot in mouth" disease. Not much in the way of quiet leadership. He should move on to his golf course and get out of the way.
CheesePuff
July 29, 2023 at 07:50 pm
To paraphrase a Packers executive, “Murphy’s a complicated fella.” Mark, don’t be the problem.
NickPerry
July 29, 2023 at 05:33 pm
Hi Since '61...It's great to see you back posting. I had been wondering where you'd been but I know you normally take a break at the end of the season and come back for TC so it's good to see your posts again!
I couldn't agree with you more. Patience is going to be required for this entire offense, not just for Love IMO. But you hit it on the head, we (The Fans) have to allow him some time. This offense is SO young, there's going to be A LOT of growing pains. Like you said, if we know in 8 games great.
Since'61
July 29, 2023 at 10:54 pm
Hi Nick it's always good to hear from you. I look forward to your posts as well over these many years going back to Jersey Al's ALLGBP days.
I'll be in and out during the TC/Preseason. I'm still at a crossroads about continuing with the league and all their money grabs, horrible decisions about rules and handling players. I'm trying to hang on until Goodell retires and hopefully then better days will come.
About 2 months ago my daughter volunteered me to help her Alma Mater with a new project they want to implement at the university. It's out of my area of expertise and it's become more time consuming than I was originally told but I'm having fun with it and the academics are basically letting me take it over. Now they're approaching me about writing a book about my experience in a totally different field but I don't think so.
So I have a t least a few forces pulling at me at this time.
The best thing about returning after a break is it provides me with a different perspective about the team and the blog. It's neither better or worse just different. Basically I just want to enjoy the ride with this young Packers team. No expectations about the season or the players. Just let it happen and see where these young Packers take us. I'm not sure if it will be better or worse than before but it will be different and I'm looking forward to it. Thanks, Since '61
NickPerry
July 30, 2023 at 05:16 am
Wow that's great, I'm so happy to hear things are going so well. Sounds like you're staying busy. I hope you hang on until Goodell is out. We've been here a long time between the two sites. That's a lot of posts about the GBP's between us!
"Basically I just want to enjoy the ride with this young Packers team. No expectations about the season or the players. Just let it happen and see where these young Packers take us. I'm not sure if it will be better or worse than before but it will be different and I'm looking forward to it."
I'm really taking it the same way. Perhaps not at first when Rodgers was FINALLY gone, but now yes, I just want to enjoy the ride...NO expectations. This team is SO YOUNG at the skill positions like WR and TE it's going to take time.
I think the 2023 season will go very much like the 2006 season when the team started 4-8 under MM in his first season. When I saw that, I think this team will go on a winning streak late in the season to give us all a lot of hope, just like in 2006. By 2024 they'll be ready to rock and roll, just like the 2007 Packers did. Obviously in 2006 the Packers had Favre, not a 4th year QB starting for the first time. But I think this team will gel, much like that team did.
Since'61
July 30, 2023 at 10:49 am
Nick we're on the same wavelength with this edition of the Packers.
2023 - they learn how to play together.
2024 - they learn how to win together and reach the playoffs but probably not yet ready to go all the way.
2025 - should be our season if everything breaks correctly and it all comes together. SB run.
For now it's enjoy the ride, one play, one game at a time. Stay well my friend. Thanks, Since '61
PhantomII
July 29, 2023 at 01:22 pm
Jordan Love has more than enough quality young players around him in the run and pass game at every position. He has a good OL also.
We have a All Pro returner for good average field position. Our defense should take a step forward and when Gary gets back to full speed...A pretty solid pass rush to get him the ball when he does make inevitable mistakes ALL QB1's make. I want a QB1 who goes thru his reads and throws a catchable ball to whoever is open and defaults to moving the chains for first downs versus big gamble plays down field for the most part depending on what is required for down and distance. He needs to get better every game and learn from mistakes as the season goes. The pressure is there now with a USFL winning QB on the roster and what looks like 2-#1 picks in 2024 draft to go get another QB1 if need be near the top of the draft. I don't think we will need to do that. I predict the playoffs this season and an offensive juggernaut in 2024 when our top WR's have even more time together and the TE group will be better also in ML's real offense.
stockholder
July 29, 2023 at 01:33 pm
Why Quote Rodgers. He's Gone and thats that.
I'm not willing to relax. He's not Rodgers.
This is the NFL. NO MERCEY! It's not about Hate!
Don Majikowski never won a Super-Bowl
After a torn Rotator Cuff- Replaced by Dilweg and Kiel.
During season 1991 Majikowski was benched
by Lindy Infante, and replaced by Mike Tomczak.
In 1992 Don had A torn ligament against Cinn.
EXAMPLE: Injuries. Why RELAX?
The packers traded for Brett Favre.
In 1992; Brett "TOOK OVER" and started to 2007
But don't overlook the 1996 Super-Bowl Win.
And that he didn't sit the bench Long.
It was Baptism by Fire.
I 'm not comparing Love to anyone.
But you can't chase a rainbow in the NFL.
Damn right will know in 6 weeks.
jannesbjornson
July 29, 2023 at 03:01 pm
Play to Win. Let him loose. I liked him with his deep out at Utah State. Just needs to get his release points and timing of the feet. The New TES will help him with the hook zones. He doesn't need to rely on short stuff to to the RBs. Maybe Jaylen Reed will surprise? The battle in Summer Session will be for the reliable backup guy.
Good history lesson. We try to forget Infante, but it is set in stone.
Coldworld
July 29, 2023 at 03:21 pm
Gets a thumbs up just for saying what I was thinking: Rodgers is gone, leave him out of it please and keep the focus on the now.
beerandbrats
July 29, 2023 at 01:47 pm
Good article Gil. We have a lot invested in Jordan Love and we need that investment to pay off! Keep preaching patience!
Bearmeat
July 29, 2023 at 03:28 pm
This Packers team has WAY more talent on defense than that team did. How many late leads did the Packers lose in 2008? It has to be at least 6. And in almost every one of those, the defense let a score in late to lose it. The offense was very similar. Older OL. Youth at the skill positions except RB and Donald Driver.
Rodgers held onto the ball too much in 2008-2009, either because he didn't trust his eyes, or he was afraid to throw picks. We'll see how Love handles that. If he plays even to a league average level, this is a team that will threaten for the division this year. If he plays like ARod did in 08, they'll win the division.
Leatherhead
July 29, 2023 at 04:17 pm
Rodgers is trying to help Love, and by extension, the Packers. I remember Favre trying to help the Lions beat us by passing on intel to their coaches. I guess this is different. I’m
croatpackfan
July 29, 2023 at 04:35 pm
Gil, 2 things.
First, wise CEO does not go with his thought about the part of job most visible to public. It is just something any good CEO should learn as first thing. Publicly expressing his doubts make his employees to start doubt in themselves. They might overpush themselves to do the job successfuly, what very often result in failure. So, thete is the question: What Murphy "we are not idiots" really want to be result of that
"audition"? He might be defensive with that claim and to have nice way out transfering failure on either or both Gutekunst and/or MLF.
The answer on the question about Jordan Love he should say something like: "Be patient, We believe we will have success." Or something similar to that. Be a politician on the unknown future and try to sound positive.
Second, stop comparing Jordan Love to FPQB. They are 18 years of difference between those 2 players. In 18 years NFL changed dramatically. FPQB and Jordan Love are different persons and they will respond on similar situation diferently. First starter year of FPQB record was result of team's efforts, not just FPQB record. Jordan Loce 1st year as starter record will be, as well team's effort, not just Love's record. What if Packers went 3-14 this sesson, but offense put average 40 points per game? Who's fault will be that record? Or Packers had 13-4 record, but defense allowed average 11 points per game and D & ST put average 2 TD per game. Who will be responsible for that record?
As addition to 2nd "thing" I believe we should put in past what was in past and liberate ourselves from comparing fruits & vegetables. We had enough drama and enough quarrels past several seasons that almost ruined all good from the past we enjoyed so long.
FPQB is past and let that past RIP.
cdoemel
July 29, 2023 at 05:41 pm
He didn’t express doubts. He and EVERYONE is saying be patient this first year. Tempered expectation is not doubt! And MM’s statement about 9 games is absolutely correct! After three preseason games and nine reg season games, we will DEFINITELY know if Love has “it” even within the challenges and rookie mistakes of a first year quarterback. And by “it” I don’t mean HOF career, I mean a solid starting QB who can win games.
I hope JL learns one thing from AR and NEVER calls out and embarrasses his teammates on the field during a game. Having “high expectations” for your teammates is different from being a child and a dick, waving your arms on national TV. Did anyone do that to him when he threw the ball at their shoe laces when they hit their spot? Yeah JL, don’t be a crybaby prima dona. Learn that from AR.
WestCoastPackerBacker
July 30, 2023 at 05:54 pm
He is being quoted completely out of context by media looking for clicks. He said "I think Love just needs to show some promise and the ability to put together some stretches of strong play."
He is saying it will take “at least” half a season to see “some ability,” meaning they are giving him the time he needs to develop. But the Murphy haters are making it seem like he meant the opposite, as if they would only give him half a season and then pull him if they don’t like what they see.
Turophile
July 29, 2023 at 04:40 pm
Getting worked up about Love, 4 days into training camp..............LOL
cdoemel
July 29, 2023 at 06:03 pm
Hahaha. Dude, I feel ya, but that’s what this space is for! For idiots like us to vent about a dropped pass, second guess EVERYTHING MLF does and let everyone know we know WAY more than BG and MM. Lol.
greengold
July 29, 2023 at 06:47 pm
Turophile & cdoemel!
Before the 1st practice in pads. Right on schedule! Lolz.
Excited fans. Can’t blame anyone. Hell, the team itself is excited. I can’t wait to see the players in action myself - and they will look very, very different! Brian Gutekunst & his staff have been insanely busy.
Only 8 players remain from 4 years ago, 2019…
Jones
Bak
Jenkins
Clark
Alexander
Gary
Smith
Savage
… on a 90 man roster.
Turophile
July 31, 2023 at 04:29 pm
That is a telling list. So few names from 4 or more years back - it really highlights how much a team can change over the years and shows how easy it is for a long term QB (like Rodgers) to feel disassociated from the team, as the guys he knew well all leave with new guys arriving all the time.
It happened with Favre late career and to Rodgers (though several older guys were kept on to keep him happy).
As you say, very excited for what will surely be a topsy-turvy, very unpredictable season.
Thegreatreynoldo
July 29, 2023 at 04:42 pm
Today's Practice Roundup is in the queue and should be published in 3 hours to so. Love has been getting enough love from teammates and the media that I added a new section to today's roundup. His first practice on a windy day was up and down, but he has had 3 good practices since the opening practice. He has shown improvement in the intangibles which is really the only thing that remains an issue, as physically he had what's needed and he has an NFL arm.
This is a very good roundup, if I do say so myself. Kudos to all the beat writers, really. They all just had a lot to write about.
BAMABADGER
July 29, 2023 at 04:49 pm
CroatPackFan:
Couldn't agree, more leave the FPQB comments behind, the future is Love. Let the analysis and critique begin with contact and full pads.
Can't wait! GPG!
egbertsouse
July 29, 2023 at 05:46 pm
I got news for you . Love is not going to be better than Rodgers this season,so relax and enjoy it. At least we won’t have to see a pissy look every time he throws an incompletion. I’m looking forward to it, even if they go 3-14.
cdoemel
July 29, 2023 at 06:05 pm
I totally agree with your 2nd point, but I’m not certain JL won’t be better than AR was last year.
cdoemel
July 29, 2023 at 06:32 pm
I don’t know about 3-14 tho. Haha. That probably won’t be met with much enthusiasm by the haters. 🤣. Then we’ll have to listen to all the doom and gloom the whole off-season next year! Please no!!!!! Hahahaha play
HarryHodag
July 29, 2023 at 05:52 pm
For the love of mercy no more Jordan Love stories until the season starts and we can see what he can do for real.
THESZOTMAN1
July 29, 2023 at 06:36 pm
I doubted the draft pick, but that's water under the bridge.
NOW, we GOTTA give the kid 2 FULL seasons if he's healthy, then see where we're at.
He doesn't have to win games, just keep us in them.
And, as Nagler says, RUN THE DAMN BALL!
The Szotman
Ferrari-Driver
July 29, 2023 at 07:03 pm
I'm just a plain old Packers fan stuck out in California, with limited exposure and knowledge about what is happening with the team. I realize there are only 32 starting quarterback in the NFL, just like head coaches and it's a competitive environment.
I will finally get to see Jordan Love make his debut in Lambeau Field on Sep 24th and I couldn't be more excited. I sure would enjoy seeing the Packers defeat the Saints that day, but if it doesn't happen, I hope I see a Packers team play their butts off trying. With my limited knowledge, I can only hope the Packers management team did their best in fielding the best possible group of players to wear the Green and Gold.
TxFred
July 30, 2023 at 07:49 am
JL has handled the media & their trap questions, like the pro he has become. The organization has built a very fast, energized, talented group around him. Everyone wants to do their best. Make the squad & contribute. I think this team both offense & defense has a positive attitude, communicate well & are bonding into potentially solid winning team. GPG!!!