Jordan Love, the starting quarterback for the Green Bay Packers, has become a focal point of discussion as the team analyzes its performance in the 2024 season. Coach Matt LaFleur stated that this is the only place he feels the next step for Love should be, increasing his confidence. That’s especially important now, as he enters the gauntlet of his second full-year tenure as a starter. Despite some skepticism surrounding his progress, the Packers’ organization remains optimistic about Love’s development.
Throughout the 2023 season, Love showed noticeable growth in a number of key areas. His off-target percentage decreased from 16.1% in 2023 to just 14.4% last year. This increase of 5% Completion Percentage Over Expected reflects increased accuracy in his throws. His overall accuracy took a step back, with his completion percentage falling from 64.2% to 63.1%. This small bump in the road wouldn’t stop a coaching staff or teammates from appreciating everything he’s certain to have accomplished just this year.
Injuries impacted Love’s performance throughout the season. He sprained his left MCL in season opener. This injury greatly affected his mobility, even when he returned from a two-game absence. A groin injury sidelined him during the second half of a pivotal Week 8 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Though this wasn’t easy by any means, Love shined over the final eight games of 2023. He tossed 18 touchdowns to just one interception, showing that he can handle the heat when the chips are down.
Love’s playoff run featured a stunning, record-setting performance in the first round against the Dallas Cowboys. Sadly, he would find heartbreak in the next game against the San Francisco 49ers, falling in the closing seconds. LaFleur, on the other hand, sounded pleased with Love’s development. This optimism arrived four months after a disappointing defeat to the Philadelphia Eagles—a remarkable achievement for a team marked by inconsistency.
As Love works hard to elevate his game this offseason, he’s putting the team agenda — and the quest to be a better version of himself — first. “Just trying to be as consistent as possible with accuracy, ball placement, things like that, the timing of my feet, timing up with the routes,” he stated. This dedication to refining his skills reflects his commitment to becoming a more effective leader on and off the field.
Teammate Jayden Reed praised Love’s demeanor, describing him as “probably one of those most calm quarterbacks I’ve ever been around.” It’s this calmness in high-pressure situations that has helped Love keep his cool when it matters most.
When asked about the criticisms of his lackluster rookie season, Love was unbothered. “I mean, what is a step back is what I’d ask?” he questioned, suggesting that opinions on his performance may vary widely. He added, “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?’”
He admits that there needs to be accountability and communication on the team. “I think that biggest thing is just having those hard conversations with guys when something needs to get done and it might not be getting done the right way,” he explained.
All of 2024, dropped passes severely hampered the Packers’ offense. This concern resulted in them registering the highest drop rate in the NFL. Potentially this issue hampered Love’s stats and effectiveness at times. He is still extremely committed to get better in all facets of his game.
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