To say that the 2023 campaign was a case of Jekyll and Hyde for Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love would be putting it lightly.
Love had a couple of strong games to start his first full season as the Packers’ full-time starter, throwing six touchdowns and no interceptions in a pair of wins. However, you could see some cracks in Love’s armor, as he completed under 60 percent of his passes both times.
Then, from Weeks 3 through 10, Love went through a disastrous stretch where he totaled eight touchdowns and 10 picks, and Green Bay went just 1-5 in those games.
Love looked so lost at times during that span that some were wondering if the Packers would consider moving on from him after the season.
But then, Love embarked on a torrid stretch the rest of the way, amassing 18 touchdowns and just one interception in a 6-2 run for Green Bay to end the season, leading the Packers to a surprising playoff appearance. He then led the Packers to a Wild Card Round win over the Dallas Cowboys before falling to the San Francisco 49ers in the Divisional Round.
The 25-year-old left no doubt that he was Green Bay’s franchise quarterback, and with an impressive stable of young pass-catchers and an improving ballclub around him overall, 2024 could be the year that Love takes the step into superstardom.
Of course, the sophomore slump is a thing, so we must be wary of that. Everyone has plenty of tape on Love now, so opposing defenses will be doing whatever they can do exploit his weaknesses. But Love seems like he will be ready for it, as evidenced by his midseason adjustments in 2023.
The Packers need to add some more pieces in the NFL Draft, such as shoring up their offensive line and maybe fixing up their linebacking corps and secondary.
But many of the pieces are already in place for Love, who has the arm talent to take advantage of a plethora of weapons that includes wide receivers Christian Watson, Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks, not to mention tight end Luke Musgrave. Plus, Green Bay added running back Josh Jacobs in free agency.
Love showed the ability to overcome adversity this past season. He also displayed some pretty intense grit in the playoffs, going into a hostile environment in Dallas and beating a Cowboys team that was previously unbeaten at home. Heck, Love took a lead into the fourth quarter in San Francisco the following week.
The Packers play in a tough NFC North division that includes the Detroit Lions and upstart Chicago Bears, so it won’t be easy for Love and Co. But, Jordan Love has already demonstrated some admirable mental chops and some very impressive physical gifts.
Look for the young signal-caller to reach the next level in 2024.
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