Talks like an NFL quarterback. Looks like an NFL quarterback. Is Love going on hype or hope?

Aaron Rodgers is finally out of Green Bay. But don’t for a second think that the dust has absolutely settled. There’s still a chance that Rodgers can hit them with a I told you so and do you miss me yet. The young signal caller Jordan Love is officially the QB1 heading into the 2023 NFL season. The Packers showed they are behind him with a 1 year extension worth 24.8 million and 15.3 million guaranteed. Are we getting behind the hope or hype?

The Packers face true uncertainty at the position since Aaron Rodgers took the starting gig back in 2008 when Brett Favre left the team. Here we have Love who has only appeared in 10 games in 2 seasons. Most of that is garbage time play including a lackluster start in a 7-13 loss in Kansas City against the Chiefs in 2021. As far as gameplay there was a glimmer of hope in his substitution week 12 against the Eagles. Love came in looking fresh and confident as he went 6 for 9 on passing with 113 yards and a touchdown. The touchdown play came on a 63 yard play action pass to explosive wide receiver Christian Watson. Even more impressive was the zip he had on the ball and making his progressions before making a decision.

All of this is such a small sample size. Jordan Loves career stats are 83 attempts, 606 yards, 3 touchdowns, with a 60.2% completion percentage. Recent history says it is on his side. The path of succession and 30 year QB  consistency for this team says that success is only imminent for Love. Rodgers sat behind Brett Favre for 2 seasons before he was given the keys. Love is tall, mobile out of the pocket, and has big arm talent. The tools are definitely there. A first round prospect that redshirts can become dangerous. Just ask MVP’s Lamar Jackson and Patrick Mahomes. They learned from established veteran quarterbacks and they turned out alright. Meanwhile Love only learned from one of the greatest to ever do it.

Pushing a young man to start when him or the team around him isn’t ready can be detrimental to their career as we have seen time and time again. I’m not sure if Love is a future all pro but I do know he needs all the support he can get around him. The Packers run game needs to be potent and the defense has to be decent. Strong Rapport with young wide receivers can be built through this off season. The NFC North’s defenses are mostly butter and Packers nation seems to be behind their young quarterback. This is why I am going with the hype.