Analysis
8/9/22
3 min read
What's Next For Jordan Love and The Green Bay Packers?
Reports indicate Jordan Love will be the starting quarterback for the Green Bay Packers during the first two weeks of the 2022 preseason. The 33rd Team’s Head of Scouting, TJ McCreight, has hands-on experience scouting Love as an NFL Draft Prospect.
What does he think of the Packers' backup quarterback? Here’s a brief glimpse into what life could be like for the Packers when four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers retires.
Breaking Down Love’s Game
In highlighting Love’s positive traits, McCreight says the quarterback “has a good arm, is athletic enough and is a good worker.” Inconsistency appears to be the issue Love will need to overcome in order to succeed at the NFL level.
“I thought he took too many chances with the ball,” McCreight said. “And it showed up with his 17 interceptions in 2019. I went to Utah State and scouted Jordan Love. He is a talented player that has the tools to be an NFL starter.”
During his last season at Utah State, Love finished 99th in catchable ball rate and 127th in on-target rate.
Love will have a chance to show those tools this Friday when the Packers travel to Santa Clara to take on the San Francisco 49ers in their first preseason matchup.
In his two previous preseason games, Love has completed 24-of-35 passes for 271 Yards, one touchdown and one interception. He was also sacked twice for 16 yards.
How should Green Bay Proceed?
In a recent interview on the podcast Pardon My Take, Aaron Rodgers was asked about his future in Green Bay. His comments left some to speculate his time in the league was beginning to wind down.
“This chapter in my life is coming to a close … soon,” Rodgers said. “I’m thankful for it, and I want to leave it better than I found it.”
Should Rodgers retire soon, Love appears to be the heir apparent. It's possible Love could slide seamlessly into Rodgers’ role, just as Rodgers did when taking the baton from Hall of Famer Brett Favre.
McCreight doesn’t think the Packers should risk it.
“If I were General Manager Brian Gutekunst, I would look to move him for a draft pick rather than eventually losing him in free agency,” McCreight said.
Landing Spot for Love
Should the Packers move on from their backup quarterback, McCreight believes the Cleveland Browns should look to pounce on the unproven signal-caller.
“The Browns are ready to win right now with a top-level roster,” McCreight said. “Love is on his rookie deal and they would have him on a team-friendly number for two more years. This would give the Browns insurance at the position. They could have Love and Jacoby Brissett battle for the job while Deshaun Watson serves his suspension.”
Ultimately, a trade could prove to be a win-win, according to McCreight.
Love has only played in six games and thrown passes in four, making comparing him to other NFL starters difficult. However, he's completed just 58 percent of his passes for 411 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions. He's also recorded 12 rushes for 27 yards and was sacked three times for 23 yards
“The Packers have to get something for him and the Browns-if Watson is suspended for a long period of time-HAVE to have another capable quarterback on the roster,” McCreight said.
Jamie Arnowich contributed to this report.
