How Packers QB Jordan Love plans to become a dual-threat weapon

It's hard to argue that Jordan Love didn't take a step back in his second full season as the Green Bay Packers' starting quarterback in 2024. After serving as Aaron Rodgers' backup throughout his first two NFL campaigns, Love quickly made the Green Bay faithful forget about their departed legend once he stepped into a starting role. 

Love posted 4,159 passing yards and 32 touchdowns with just 11 interceptions in 2023, providing optimism that he can be the franchise's next long-term gunslinger. He even contributed with his legs, rushing for 247 yards and four touchdowns. There was obvious room for growth, but there were plenty of positives to take away from Love's first full season under center.

While the 26-year-old did play in two fewer games in 2024, it was clear that the jump to stardom many had hoped for wasn't coming to fruition yet. Love's production fell across the board, as he threw for 3,389 yards and just 25 touchdowns while his interceptions remained steady at 11. Meanwhile, his rushing contributions were nowhere to be found, as the 2020 first-rounder produced just 83 yards and one touchdown on the ground. 

With only 25 rushing attempts to his name in 2024, some of Love's struggles can be attributed to the knee injury he suffered in Green Bay's season opener. But even Love knows that doesn't paint the full picture; he knows he had opportunities to run that he simply turned down.

"You look back and you’re like, ‘Man I could’ve took off and run,’" Love said, per Matt Schneidman of The Athletic.  "A little of it is just understanding what the defense is doing, what coverage we’re getting, how the D-line might be playing some of those games where they start twisting and doing different things, understanding where the holes in the pocket might be to have the opportunity to step up and escape."

The talented playmaker also understands that by using his legs more often, it also makes his work in the passing game that much easier. As a two-way weapon, Love can keep opposing defenses guessing at his next move. He insisted on operating more unpredictably next season. 

"And then, like you said, just understanding that maybe sometimes maybe not go straight to the check down right now. Maybe take that extra second to find a lane and get out of there and create an opportunity with your legs. So I think half-and-half with the injury and then just understanding when those times are to take off and use your legs."

While not a speedster at the level of Kyler Murray or Lamar Jackson, Love knows he's capable of doing more damage on the ground. If his season kicks off more smoothly, Love's rushing numbers should be much more reminiscent of his 2023 breakout than his injury-riddled 2024 season.