Packers HC Matt LaFleur makes bold statement about QB Jordan Love

Being the heir to Aaron Rodgers for the Green Bay Packers is a tough gig, but quarterback Jordan Love did something Rodgers used to do in high frequency in his first start in the post-Rodgers era: beat the Chicago Bears.

Love completed 15-of-27 passes for 245 yards and three touchdowns in Green Bay's 38-20 win over Chicago. Love flashed pinpoint accuracy at times and a strong arm. While the win came against a bad Bears team, it was a good enough showing to be happy about, and when it comes to how Packers players perceive Love, it appears he already has their trust. 

Head coach Matt LaFleur said he couldn't be prouder of Love's performance and poise.

"There's a big-time belief in that locker room for Jordan Love," LaFleur said. "I think the guys are going to rally around him. They're excited for him. They love him, they respect him. 

"He comes to work every day with a great attitude, great energy, and you saw that today."

Packers left guard Elgton Jenkins is so optimistic about Love that the two-time Pro Bowler feels he can be a top-five quarterback. Running back Aaron Jones says that with Love in the fold, "Nothing's changed" and they're "still the Packers."

With respect to Jones, a lot has changed. The face of the franchise for 15 years is now with the New York Jets, and anytime you change a starting QB after a decade-and-a-half, it is a big change, albeit a change that could be refreshing to a franchise that hasn't won a Super Bowl in well over a decade.

Although the energy in the Packers locker room seems in the right place, LaFleur and Love aren't getting too high about the win over the Bears. They know this is just the beginning of the season and the beginning of a new era.

"I think he's got a great perspective," LaFleur said. "He's been in this league for a few years. He knows it's only one game. It's a start, and you have to build upon it."

Love and Green Bay will get back to building in Week 2 when they go on the road to face the 1-0 Atlanta Falcons.