Confessions of a Polluted Mindset - Love Rollercoaster

The Weekly Packers Brain Drain from Jersey Al.

First, I know Ken Lass used a rollercoaster analogy the other day, but since I tweeted out "Love Rollercoaster" during the game, I think I'm ok to use it here.

Love, Love, Love - Speaking of one Jordan Love, here are my thoughts. I've tried to stay agnostic on the topic of Jordan Love - I've been a veritable Switzerland since the day he was drafted. There is no way I am going to commit to judging a young quarterback until he's had a good amount of live NFL game action (even if it's preseason). I keep reading about how Love is in his third season and this is when Aaron Rodgers and a lot of other young QBs found their footing (no pun intended). One thing that keeps getting ignored is that what should have been Jordan's first pre-season was canceled due to Covid. He saw no live action in his first year with the Packers. Not to mention how so much of practice went the virtual route that year. So, at least in my mind, this is really his second year of normal development.

Having said all of that (a long disclaimer), while I'm still not going to make any conclusions about Jordan Love, the needle did move in different directions as his first half against the 49ers progressed, and for me, it ended up just slightly negative. Noticeable improvements have been made in his mechanics - footwork and throwing motion. He showed better command of the offense and was able to get the ball out quicker.

On the negative side, (and I'm not even going to bring up the INTs, for which he deserves little blame) there were a lot of accuracy issues on display, often with relatively simple passes. To me, he still looks unsure of himself out there, perhaps still thinking too much or trying to be too perfect. These are things that require live reps to get it out of his system. Having been deprived of live reps as a rookie, I will continue with a "wait and see" approach towards Love, even if it means waiting till next year.

The Seeker - Have you seen the Packers' new hi-tech jugs machine that can replicate specific throws from specific quarterbacks? Something like this is possible, yet the Packers media room still can't be set up so we can clearly hear the questions.

On the DL - I wrote a couple of weeks ago about how good I felt about the Packers' DL. I can now extend that to apply to their depth at the position, as well. The backup DLs had a fine, fine game against the 49ers and Green Bay will likely have some capable, ready-to-play DL on the practice squad if injuries hit.

Hello Newman - Royce Newman just did not look good at RT against the 49ers. Just in the first few series, I noticed him several times either getting stood up or pushed backward. He was slightly better in pass pro, but rookie Zach Tom looked a lot more comfortable at the position, as Newman did when he moved inside to RG..

Can Quay Get Away? -  The number one thing that Quay walker will need to improve on is his ability to shed and/or avoid blockers. It's easy in camp to see him running sideline to sideline without much interference but in the two series he played against the 49ers, you could see him get caught up in the trash a bit and not get to the ball carrier when it looked like he should have been able to. That's not to say he didn't have some decent reps in this department. Now, you would hope that playing behind the first-team defensive line will help keep blockers off him, but if you're looking for the area where he must improve the most, this is probably it.

Total Collapse - Great to hear reports out of Tuesday's joint practice with the Saints that the Packers' pass rush was all over various Saints quarterbacks with relentless pressure, a decent amount of which came from the DL collapsing the pocket. This is what I've been envisioning from this group nd can't wait to see them against the Vikings.

Ride your Pony - If like me, you've been waiting to see Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon on the field at the same time - here's some good news:

 

xx

 

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__________________________

"Jersey Al" Bracco is the Editor-In-Chief, part owner and wearer of many hats for CheeseheadTV.com and PackersTalk.com. He is also a recovering Mason Crosby truther.  Follow Al on twitter at @JerseyalGBP

__________________________

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12 points
 

Comments (94)

Fan-Friendly This filter will hide comments which have ratio of 5 to 1 down-vote to up-vote.
Savage57's picture

August 17, 2022 at 06:08 am

Concur 100% on Jordan Love and his development arc. He's been shortchanged on reps and it's reflected in his play and people's opinion of him as a result. Rodgers looked pretty shaky well into his second year.

10 points
12
2
HawkPacker's picture

August 17, 2022 at 09:59 am

My take on the inaccurate swing passes is possibly he did not have his feet set as he was told to by the new qb coach. I would hope that they will work on this before the next game. We shall see......

3 points
3
0
Bure9620's picture

August 17, 2022 at 11:26 am

That's whats it looked like to me too. Inaccurate throws caused by issues the waist down is correctable, waist up usually thst QB stays inaccurate.

1 points
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Bure9620's picture

August 17, 2022 at 11:26 am

That's whats it looked like to me too. Inaccurate throws caused by issues the waist down is correctable, waist up usually thst QB stays inaccurate.

0 points
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LLCHESTY's picture

August 17, 2022 at 11:37 am

For some guys what they work on at practice just doesn't translate to the field. It happens with QBs all the time. Just because they've had 2 HOF QBs in a row doesn't mean every QB they bring in is going to be successful.

-1 points
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2
Coldworld's picture

August 17, 2022 at 11:48 am

No, but it doesn’t mean Love won’t be either.

3 points
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Leatherhead's picture

August 17, 2022 at 06:46 pm

30 years of history suggests that the organization has some ideas about getting good QB play, unless you think they have just been lucky, which I don’t believe is true. I thought he was a good pick, and it’s very obvious he’s improved. Compare him now to what he was a year ago and see for yourself.

The more I see these rookie QBs founder and fail, the more benefit I see to spending time developing v. Being thrown into the fire with a shaky team around him. Hello Chicago.

It doesn’t guarantee he will be a HOFer, but it does give him a maximum opportunity to succeed.

1 points
2
1
Coldworld's picture

August 17, 2022 at 07:19 pm

I agree with you that the Rodgers model might have made a number of QBs much better. I’ve always wondered what would have happened had Rodgers landed with a team that thrust him in in 2005 and even 2006.

It’s the Favre model that actually seems the least likely of all. Wolf seeing something no one else did. That’s the catching of lightning in a bottle. It’s also true that the Packers approach only helps players be better, it doesn’t guarantee it produces a winner. It worked for Hasselbeck and Flynn too. If we can make it work for Love we are giving him the best chance he could possibly have got in this league.

This is something that the packers have done right in my view. That’s not a comment on Love or his pick-it could have been another year or player, but taking high upside QBS and taking time to work on them seems to me to have paid dividends. I hope we continue to do so if Love does become a starter for us at some point (if he doesn’t we may be jumping after that lightning in a bottle again post Rodgers).

2 points
3
1
GregC's picture

August 17, 2022 at 06:15 am

I thought the needle on Jordan Love was slightly positive after the game on Friday, but maybe that's because my assessment of him was a little more negative before the game started. I had lower expectations. He looked more confident and seemed to have better footwork. The accuracy issues are a big concern, though. He's got lots of practices and a couple more preseason games to show that this is not going to be an ongoing problem and is hopefully mostly a result of him still getting comfortable and having to think too much. .

I wish I had watched Royce Newman more. I thought the OL played pretty well overall, so I was assuming Newman did okay. There were no catastrophic collapses on the edge on passing plays. But hopefully with Elgton Jenkins back, this becomes a moot point anyway.

5 points
5
0
PeteK's picture

August 17, 2022 at 09:32 am

--I thought our almost complete O line would run block better against a second team D.
--- I believe Love's main accuracy issue was throwing to the backs, and could be blamed on poor route execution. I slo moed the pass to Rodgers that lead to an IN, and thought it was a timing play as Love threw the ball to a spot. So either Rodgers ran the wrong route or just could not get to the spot before the defender.

3 points
4
1
Bure9620's picture

August 17, 2022 at 06:35 am

The Jordan Love hate is real and will never stop. I have never understood it and It is unfortunate. We are at the point now where many whom did not like the pick are simply just waiting for him to fail or be traded for them to confirm "See, See, Wasted pick!! We needed a WR!!!" Or fill on the blank. It is simultaneously obnoxious and comical.

9 points
14
5
murf7777's picture

August 17, 2022 at 07:32 am

Bure, it’s called patience and many don’t have it. Same thing happened to Gary and Adams and look how they turned out. QB is the hardest position to play in the NFL to learn. The odds are against him. Very few become high quality starters. The jury is still out and will be for awhile I suspect.

8 points
9
1
dobber's picture

August 17, 2022 at 09:14 am

So true. At this point, it seems to be more about "home-teaming" based on players or management. Those who dislike Gute (or Murphy) or love 12 have galvanized against him, and those who dislike 12 or have embraced Gute generally seem to be lined up behing 10. It's not 100%, of course, but in many cases it's as much about Love as it is about other dynamics at 1265.

TBH, I hated the pick at the time. I understood the possible reasons for it, but felt there was more than could be done with the pick. It's in the rearview, now, and this team--one way or another--needs him to play well. The team didn't suffer as a result of it--three 13 win seasons are the clear evidence. I don't buy into the "it made 12 a better QB" argument simply because it only makes him look even more petty and diva-ish.

0 points
3
3
LLCHESTY's picture

August 17, 2022 at 11:44 am

I thought the timing was terrible but if Love doesn't turn out I won't blame Gutey for missing on a late 1st round QB. Those guys have been low percentage plays for awhile now. Rodgers and Jackson are outliers not the norm and Jackson could have a short career if he doesn't become a better passer.

-1 points
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stockholder's picture

August 17, 2022 at 06:54 am

To be fair. Your assessment of Love is correct. I say he does deserve the blame for the picks. He still keeps throwing them in practice. But he is a packer, and we don't have any control over that. So will he ever become a competent starter? John Hadl was. We've seen so many QBs come and go through the years. He'll be another mistake in packer's history. I agree on Newman and the rest of your thoughts. Love the Seeker. Fascinating.

-7 points
4
11
Bure9620's picture

August 17, 2022 at 07:04 am

You think you are being fair?

9 points
9
0
Savage57's picture

August 17, 2022 at 07:09 am

Comparing Jordan Love to John Hadl? In the world I inhabit, that's known as a reach.

Admit you feel the same way about Love as fans did Rodgers when he was a young buck and life gets easier.

11 points
11
0
Coldworld's picture

August 17, 2022 at 07:41 am

“It might look bad on the stat sheet with three picks, but the film tells a very different story.” Aaron Rodgers

9 points
10
1
stockholder's picture

August 17, 2022 at 02:14 pm

Rodgers is just being a union rep. The more he praises Love. The more people will forgive him, if he screws up.

-1 points
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croatpackfan's picture

August 18, 2022 at 04:43 am

BIIIIIIIG LOL on this comment!

0 points
0
0
NickPerry's picture

August 17, 2022 at 06:58 am

Al's take on Jordan Love is pretty much my take as well. Look the guy hasn't been all that and YES, Michael Pittman or Tee Higgens would have been better selections but it's done. Year one did NOTHING to help him become an NFL QB and last year he was hurt in the preseason. Hey, he may never be an NFL QB, but at least give him some time.

D-Line...The D-Line will be the biggest key IMO to the Packer's Defense and just how good they can be. This is a deep and talented D-Line and for once Kenny Clark has some dudes to help him get it done. Combine that with Smith and Gary, Walker and Campbell, and THAT secondary...HA, good luck on 3rd down. I would LOVE to see Debo Samuel try and run on 3rd and 8 against that group. It ain't happening this year.

Jones AND Dillon... I can't think of many of us here who haven't been wanting more of that. Talk about two guys who compliment each other PERFECTLY. With Jenkins back, hopefully, week one and Bakhtiari hopefully right behind him, this could be an epic year for Packers RBs and Jones and Dillon specifically.

5 points
5
0
PatrickGB's picture

August 17, 2022 at 07:32 am

I think that having both Jones and Dillon in the backfield would pose some challenges to a defense. I tried to think of a downside and could only think of a loss at WR or TE. Yet even then the skills of J&D could cover for that loss. I will have to think on this topic more.

2 points
2
0
Coldworld's picture

August 17, 2022 at 08:01 am

I swore loudly when we picked Love. It was not due to Love the player as I saw him really, but to what we therefore passed on.

I swore when we picked Watson when we did, and for similar reasons. I see both as similar propositions.

Both are very high upside low floor picks. Neither were ready for the NFL, both looked to me to be longer term projects (necessarily more so with a QB than a WR, but the point stands).

Both seemed to be oozing potential but both needed to make a big jump. These were players I’d love as luxury picks but not to help us now. Gambles on getting a plus player when we seemed to need current help.

In both cases I retain that view if the pick. That has zero to do with how I look at the player now we have him. The pick has gone. The other reality in which we picked A.N. Other may not have led to more success then or in future. It’s now irrelevant and needs to be cut out completely when assessing the players concerned.

At this point Love has progressed. Despite the BS, he has made some great touch throws and shown he has true arm strength. Not an opinion, fact at this point. However, he has not achieved a consistent level of play that I deem starter worthy. It’s also true that Rodgers did not till his third camp and we who thought that remained firmly in the minority even then.

It’s impossible to know how much of this is mental. The physical ability is there. The technique is improving but subject to lapses. Both suggest the potential to be considerably better in future. That said, so much of being a great QB resides between the ears. Until that “clicks” the outcome is always uncertain and the physical talent will simply tantalize.

After one half of play this preseason, with a group of rookies and unseasoned players I note that not only is this a small sample on which to rush to judgment but one clouded by the errors of others. All I know is that Love has not proven he’s near to the finished article one way or the other. I see the traits of a classic work in progress with no clear outcome. I am going to have at least two opportunities to see more of him in the next week or so. Perhaps those outings will clarify things, but there is no guarantee, however much we all want that.

5 points
7
2
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

August 17, 2022 at 08:29 am

Well spoken CW!

0 points
1
1
Since'61's picture

August 17, 2022 at 07:20 am

AL I think that we're on the same wavelength concerning Jordan Love. He needs a chance to play during the regular season before we can evaluate him fairly. It's going to take time as long as Rodgers remains healthy.

Agree on the DL and on Newman. Newman needs to play OG not OT.

Quay is going to be good. He has the tools. Like Love he just needs a chance to play and get reps. I expect to see him improve as the season goes on and become a solid ILB for the Packers.

Your "Ride Your Pony" comment is the first strong sign that our offense will look different this season. With Jones and Dillon on the field at the same defenses are going to need to see numerous different looks and adjust accordingly. Rodgers may see much more 8 in the box when they are in the backfield together which should mean our WRs are going to be one-on-one more often. We can always return to a single RB if it doesn't work out but I'm looking forward to it.
Thanks, Since '61

6 points
6
0
Coldworld's picture

August 17, 2022 at 10:48 am

This team is built as if Rodgers wasn’t going to be back.

That has the negative of a lot more rookies than one would ordinarily hope for in a season where one is trying to win it with a near 40 year old MVP QB. Especially one who is extremely demanding with respect to his skill players. Witness his comments on the Doubs catch attempt that was ripped away and the excoriation of Rodgers field awareness and route run on Friday coupled with the comment that those mistakes result in the player not being out there.

That has the advantage of being a team that is designed to compete with a much lesser QB. It’s built to win despite the QB not because of him. If we are willing to use the roster to it’s potential we may not have an all pro receiver (we might have one at RB) and a while lot of folks will contribute yards from different formations and personnel groups.

There really is no excuse for not succeeding, beyond injury decimation, if our Head Coach and QB are willing to use the pieces provided. I think that they will, because if they don’t I do not know why either are here. An O massively reliant on just Lazzard, Cobb and Watkins isn’t likely to survive the season or to win anything meaningful if it does.

The gamble has been from the outset that guys like T. Davis, Deguara and Doubs can contribute meaningfully and that we use our ground game to help drive the O. To do so we have to incorporate them early and stretch defenses mentally as well as vertically and horizontally.

The D looks good. The STs should be at least adequate. The pieces are there on O. Are we willing and able to use them? If we aren’t, the landscape may look very different by December.

0 points
3
3
Thegreatreynoldo's picture

August 17, 2022 at 11:40 am

Nice comment. I'd add that it would be helpful for Watson to be able to play a couple of roles: the deep threat and gadget roles, at least. I am not sure it is necessary for Watson to contribute. I was really encouraged by Watkins, and it may be that Doubs can provide some deep threat and gadget roles, or failing him Amari in the gadget role. But having Watson put up 35 for 525 yards would provide depth and options.

Watson was running pretty hard and and fast while making hard cuts already, per the media. Supposedly he is not as polished as Doubs, but while that affects expectations he does get a clean slate. I am sure he won't play on Friday, but perhaps we get a glimpse on the 25th.

1 points
1
0
Coldworld's picture

August 17, 2022 at 11:53 am

Watson may contribute (but if it’s in the gadget role it probably means Rodgers won’t), but likely not as much as a Pickens type pick. Toure also offers deep play capability and ball tracking. We have speed and depth there if we select the right roster/actives and are willing to use them to their strengths and alternate personnel.

0 points
0
0
PatrickGB's picture

August 17, 2022 at 07:22 am

I think that the team is still in a tryout mode when it comes to offensive linemen. It is especially true when it comes to tackle. The sorting process will probably continue up to the first game. As Matt inferred, the team may even adjust it game to game. As a fan I find that a bit disconcerting. I would like to know who is where and let them stay at that position. Rotating players for flexibility is all fine and good but I would like to see some stability. But , I guess, that’s just me.

2 points
2
0
Johnblood27's picture

August 17, 2022 at 07:42 am

Here is another factor to consider in evaluating Jordan Love's development.

We all know about the team circumstances due to covid, etc. We have all been guilty of grading him based upon the bar being AR, a certain 1st ballot HOF talent.

Was Luke Getsy the best choice as QB coach for a young QB's development? Seems to me that Getsy was brought on board by MLF to help build the relationship between MLF and AR, not with a young, NCAA Junior QB coming out early from a second tier football program with talent to mold in mind.

Going back to the AR well yet again, he had Tom Clements to drive him through his developmental stages early on. Do you really think that Luke Getsy is as good of a QB coach as Clements?

Give the kid a chance, of course talent is a prerequisite, but great QB's in the NFL are built, not drafted. Love had and still has NFL level talent. The areas for improvement that we have noticed during his development are eminently coachable and/or honed with actual NFL game experience.

10 points
10
0
JerseyAl's picture

August 17, 2022 at 07:52 am

Thank you. I had meant to mention the positive effect Tom Clements will have on Love, but then got sidetracked. I think he may develop more in this year than he did the previous two combined.

5 points
5
0
Roadrunner23's picture

August 17, 2022 at 08:04 am

You make a valid point, Getsy is no Tom Clements and if Clements can’t fix Love, then he just ain’t got it.

3 points
3
0
dobber's picture

August 17, 2022 at 09:17 am

Getsy wasn't there to be Tom Clements...he was there to placate 12.

0 points
2
2
Thegreatreynoldo's picture

August 17, 2022 at 11:56 am

Where's the Getsy hate coming from? Folks in the NFL were interested in him, enough so that he is now an offensive coordinator. Of course, he is the OC for the Bears, so there is that factor. I know nothing about Getsy, not really. Clements was there when AR was developed; so was MM, who also gets a lot of credit for AR. Holmgren gets a lot of credit for Favre, but Steve Mariucci was the QB coach. I guess there is enough credit to go around. Alex Van Pelt was QB coach from 2014 to 2017, which coincides with the drafting of Brett Hundley in 2015. He couldn't coach Hundley up enough (maybe he got everything there was to get out of Hundley - I don't know), and he is the OC for the Browns.

I like Clements just fine. The thought that he (Clements) was hired just to placate 12 occurred to me. But I don't know it to be true. He may still have plenty in the tank after being out of football last year. I find it really hard to evaluate assistant coaches.

1 points
1
0
PeteK's picture

August 17, 2022 at 02:25 pm

Yes, QB development is usually a team effort especially during the off season. However, a coordinator has the most influence during the season because the head coach has so many other distractions.

1 points
1
0
Johnblood27's picture

August 17, 2022 at 05:26 pm

I brought up Getsy.

There was no hate involved.

Just the fact that he was a carryover from the previous staff and was kept IMO at least in part for Ar's comfort and not to coach up a youngster. Love was not on the roster at the hiring of mlf.

No hate, just reality.

where is luke getsy's resume of qb development?
what does tom clements resume look like/

a simple comparison gets getsy the short end of that stick.

1 points
1
0
Thegreatreynoldo's picture

August 17, 2022 at 07:01 pm

No worries. I am highly unlikely to pick a fight with you or dobber. And I have no idea whether Getsy is any good at developing QBs.

If you want to read something hilarious, read the blurb from the Raiders touting Maurice Drayton's coaching prowess. Whoever wrote that should be able to write his own ticket at a high-paying PR company, or for a politician or political party. That author is great.

https://www.raiders.com/team/coaches-roster/maurice-drayton

0 points
0
0
Coldworld's picture

August 17, 2022 at 07:40 pm

Wow that is incredible in the truest of senses.

I hope Mr Crosby says thank you and all of those not now in the roster whom he helped in their way to their destiny!

Thanks for the laugh TGR

1 points
1
0
Bearmeat's picture

August 17, 2022 at 07:49 am

100% agreed on Jordan Love. Those who hated him (and it would have been anyone) picked to supplant 12 still hate him irrationally. Those who hate 12 still tend to think he's the next Messiah at QB.

I think he's got tools. I think he's very raw. I think (like Al) that he's had a rough go of it in the NFL due to Covid and the 12 drama. I think he needs more time and I'm happy to give it to him, while simultaneously giving it to the 12 apologists with both barrels.

2 points
5
3
mrtundra's picture

August 17, 2022 at 07:50 am

Regarding our Defense, as I have said before, I almost feel sorry for Kark Cousins. Almost.

0 points
1
1
Bearmeat's picture

August 17, 2022 at 07:55 am

MR T,

I think his name is Kark Coosins. FTFY.

2 points
2
0
Guam's picture

August 17, 2022 at 07:50 am

Thank you, Al for referencing Jordan Love's accuracy issues. I mentioned the same thing in a post on Ken Lass's article and was taken to task by commenters who believe Love does not have an accuracy issue. I believe Love has shown significant improvement over last year in his management of the game and knowledge of the offense, but one area of shortcoming was his placement/accuracy issues on a number of his throws. Even John Kuhn (announcer for Packer preseason games) mentioned that Love did not have his feet pointed in the right direction on some of his inaccurate throws. Better footwork will lead to better accuracy and Jordan Love is a work in progress on that issue. And it is a key issue in his development as an NFL QB.

And for the record, I am not a Love "hater". I have consistently defended him on CHTV. He was always labeled as a developmental project during his draft year and I trust Gute's player judgement a whole lot more than mine or almost anyone else's. I knew Love would take some time to become an NFL QB and he has shown significant improvement over last year. However his accuracy issue has not yet been resolved.

5 points
5
0
Thegreatreynoldo's picture

August 17, 2022 at 12:05 pm

Yup. I don't think I am a Love hater. I may be perceived that way. Hated the pick.

Now as to Amari Rodgers, I suspect I am perceived more as an Amari-hater, and that is more deserved. I watched him last year and saw a tiny guy who lacked speed and quickness. That his decision-making on punts was not good didn't help. I went to the August 4 practice and noticed (and wrote about it) that he had much better speed and quickness. I was fine with the pick.

I do think a guy who is 5'9" probably has to be really fast and/or really quick in the NFL. I see good speed and quickness, but nothing that seems exceptional. Maybe he is great with the ball in his hands, such that his YAC and punt returning will be big pluses. I don't really think you can teach vision, though it can be improved some.

3 points
3
0
Swisch's picture

August 17, 2022 at 03:07 pm

Love is a developmental project in the NFL in perhaps a similar way to Giannis with the Bucks in the NBA, although it seems Giannis was much less developed than Love.
It seems the idea is the same: Draft a guy who is highly talented athletically -- and so with a lofty ceiling -- but so raw that other teams have passed on him.
I had no idea Giannis would become an elite player in the NBA, and I haven't ruled out that Love may become an elite quarterback in the NFL.
After all, it took a few years for Giannis, and he's still working to improve his game.
***
When I look at recent QBs drafted in the first round, Love seems as promising as just about all of them, or more so -- with Love having at least the potential to excel at all of the skills that go into making a top quarterback.
I'm wondering, for example, if Love has at least the same promise as Trey Lance.
Justin Herbert has flourished right away in the NFL, but I wouldn't rule out Love getting to his level.
Although I have high hopes for Love that he can be at least in the top half of QBs in the NFL (and good enough to lead the Packers to a Super Bowl title), I also realize he could be a flop.
Like with Giannis, we'll have to wait and see -- and perhaps even give the guy some encouragement along the way.

0 points
1
1
Roadrunner23's picture

August 17, 2022 at 08:00 am

I like Jordan Love the person, he seems like a very nice kid. But damn, he always seems to have some of those plays (especially over the middle) where he throws it right into the breadbasket of a defender. Dude was a pick 6 machine in college and most likely will be in the pro’s. I don’t see the “IT” factor with this guy!? Danny Etling the 3rd string guy looked much better. I hope I’m wrong and the love light 💡 goes on for the kid. Fingers crossed 🤞

-4 points
0
4
LambeauPlain's picture

August 17, 2022 at 08:19 am

Love had 60 TDs and 29 Ints at Utah State for a QB rating of 138.

I did not know he was a "pick six machine" in college. How many of the 29 were pick six's?

4 points
4
0
13TimeChamps's picture

August 17, 2022 at 09:39 am

During Jordan Love's sophomore season he threw 32 TDs and 6 INTs. Hardly a "pick 6 machine", completing 64% of his passes. Between his 2nd and 3rd years, he lost his head coach, most of his offensive line and his top receivers. Predictably, his numbers went down. He was throwing to receivers he wasn't familiar with behind a new and more inexperienced line.

I don't pretend to be a QB talent evaluator, but what I take from that is this guy can be pretty damn successful with proper coaching and decent talent around him.

6 points
6
0
jannes bjornson's picture

August 17, 2022 at 12:11 pm

Yost's offense vs the pre-historic Gary Andersen's. The guy who was shit-canned 3 games into his second season at U-State.
Big difference in offensive philosophy and Love lost most of his O-line and WRs. His footwork has to speed up. Get the guy on a tennis court.

4 points
4
0
PeteK's picture

August 17, 2022 at 02:30 pm

Or on the ballet court, floor, canvass. What's it called? LOL

0 points
1
1
DragonSilk's picture

August 17, 2022 at 08:08 am

I haven't been this excited about an upcoming Packer season since they added Santana Dotson in "96 to round out their best D-Line ever. This team has the potential to be one of the best teams in league history. The only thing that tempers my enthusiasm a little is they are depending on a few rookies to contribute. Quay Walker and at least 1 of the rookie receivers needs to step up and have a solid season at a minimum. If we can get that or better and injuries don't get out of hand this team will be very hard to beat and should lose only 1 or 2 (Maybe 0?) games and get over the playoff hump to win it all.

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Doug_In_Sandpoint's picture

August 17, 2022 at 09:15 am

Now that’s what I’m talking about DS! 20-0…I’ve been saying it for some time now.

0 points
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Johnblood27's picture

August 17, 2022 at 08:08 am

Seeker - what took them so long to recruit this guy? Not enough "churn" with the equipment I guess...

DL - this is looking like the absolute strength of the entire team. I said it. Better than the secondary? Yup. The trashcan full of dirt has to stick, he is just plain disruptive and has a hemi motor. Get it done!

Newman and the OL... Royce is no Rolls, thats fo sho... I was so much hoping that big ol Sean Rhyan would come in and snarl his way into the starting lineup at either RG or RT. He may be a year away from that, but I still hope he can grind his way into an impact this season. It is a mystery to me why he hasn't had much of a run right from the get-go? I do not have a lot of faith in Newman.

1 points
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LLCHESTY's picture

August 17, 2022 at 09:04 am

They had to search low and high for The Seeker.

1 points
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dobber's picture

August 17, 2022 at 10:19 am

Hopefully they'll get what they're after
before the day they die...

3 points
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LLCHESTY's picture

August 17, 2022 at 01:07 pm

Rodgers asked Timothy Leary but he couldn't help him either.

1 points
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croatpackfan's picture

August 17, 2022 at 08:30 am

Love, Love, Love - I agree with your assessment, very similar what I saw. And yes, I was almost celebrating when I read that Tom Clements was pulled back from retirement to become QB coach. Also, MLF said that AR suggested that, what was, for me, signs of 2 things: 1. Aaron Rodgers was serious when he was talking how he started to think about retirement every post season, and that is why he do not want to commit on how long he plans to play in NFL; and 2. AR pleasure with organization really improved, not just for public presentation. Knowing point 1 it is obvious that AR also saw talent in Jordan Love and gave the Packers chance to get true QB guru for him and for proper development of young "future" QB.

The Seeker - I believe producer said that replication specific throws from specific quarterbacks is the future options they are developing at the moment, but I might misunderstood statement in the article...

On the DL - I wrote many times already (from the draft day 1) that Packers DL will be terrifying for the opponents...

Hello Newman - nothing to add. Agree with you completely...

Can Quay Get Away? - all the rookies needs time, some of them shorter, some longer to adjust themselves to NFL...

Total Collapse - nice to hear that, but I will rather keep my temptation under the control - those are still just practices...

Ride your Pony - that formation was long ago asked from many fans, especially on this site. I can't wait to see how Packers will use it...

Thank you Al again for sharing your thoughts about the present Packers situation.

1 points
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Coldworld's picture

August 17, 2022 at 08:41 am

Off topic somewhat, but I think Alize Mack could be making a late push and Kobe Jones perhaps more so. Chris Slayton grabbed some attention on Friday too and Caleb Jones performed well.

It’s good to see some players who were unheralded starting to make a push for the roster. Injuries can still derail at this point, go one thing, but increased competition is always good. If Kobe Jones keeps balling them perhaps he can force a spot. If not I’d feel a lot better about the PS with him on it. Caleb Jones and Slayton would also be good PS acquisitions.

T Davis isn’t as bad as he looked on Friday, but he was really awful in that day, blocking or catching. He seems entrenched in plans in the O and STs, but could Mack push him still if Davis doesn’t improve markedly? I’m glad we appear to now at least have some competition for the all purpose TE role. Perhaps that will light a fire. If Davis isn’t markedly better, then it might be more.

2 points
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PeteK's picture

August 17, 2022 at 09:41 am

I was greatly disappointed with the TE's, especially Dequara's poor blocking.

1 points
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SensualInfluence's picture

August 17, 2022 at 08:44 am

You know who told us loudly that Jordan Love just isn’t that good? It’s the Green Bay Packers themselves. They traded up to take Love in the 1st and then went on to sign Rodgers to a massive extension just two years later. Love hasn’t made a single “wow” play on the field, and his trade value went completely out the door last Friday night. My guess is the Packers would have already moved on from Love had they not given up so much to acquire him.

-3 points
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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

August 17, 2022 at 12:09 pm

I think GB said that AR is phenomenal, even if his personality leaves something to be desired. They did not bring in a vet backup QB to compete with Love, so watching what they do, I infer some confidence in Love as THE backup QB for the Packers.

3 points
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Johnblood27's picture

August 17, 2022 at 05:10 pm

I infer some confidence in Love as THE backup QB for the Packers.

...as well as an obvious nod to him being "Option 1" to succeed AR at this point in time.

The 5th year option will have a more definitive say...

2 points
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LambeauPlain's picture

August 17, 2022 at 08:55 am

Based on comments from Coach Matt and Rodgers, it seems Love is continuing to grow nicely as an NFL QB. Tom Clements should accelerate his development...Tom has a long history doing that.

It is really easy for me to pull for Jordan. Having lost his Police Sargent dad (suicide) at age 14, he made his father's dream for his son to be an NFL QB a reality with hard work, and the guidance of a strong mother and family, mentors and coaches.

Great story with only the first chapters completed....he is still only 23 years old!

7 points
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Doug_In_Sandpoint's picture

August 17, 2022 at 09:20 am

I think they should set the Seeker dial to “Cutler” to help the DB’s develop a positive self image through all the int’s they’ll get.

5 points
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Coldworld's picture

August 17, 2022 at 10:10 am

Set it to Vick. No touch, just velocity. If they survive they will be stronger.

1 points
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dobber's picture

August 17, 2022 at 09:21 am

"On the DL "

Definitely looking forward to seeing what this unit can do. I know I said yesterday that I don't think this team deals Lowry before final cuts, but continued strong showings from Slayton (Chris) and Heflin might allow the Packers to parlay that depth into a depth player at a position of need or into a conditional draft pick. Gute has a track record of moving guys around just before cuts.

"Newman"

SF's front was active--Drake Jackson really stood out to me. He looked the part against the Packers' front. I think I was more disappointed with Hanson's play than with Newman's, but--either way--the right side of the line needs to show better. Getting Jenkins back into the discussion (even if it's going to take some time, yet) is a big boost there.

"Noticeable improvements have been made in his mechanics - footwork and throwing motion. He showed better command of the offense and was able to get the ball out quicker."

We can point to this as being something that he's going to need to work through on the field (mechanics, muscle memory), especially when under pressure, before it all settles down, but he's going to get as many preseason snaps as the coaching staff wants to give him. It's time to look forward to the Saints.

3 points
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PeteK's picture

August 17, 2022 at 09:36 am

Especially liked his ability to sprint out left/ right and execute good passes.

2 points
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LLCHESTY's picture

August 17, 2022 at 01:11 pm

They certainly got my attention the last couple days. Sounds like in two days of two minute drills the Saints got one 1st down.

Enagbare had another nice day. Guy went from a question mark to #3 OLB in less than a week.

3 points
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dobber's picture

August 17, 2022 at 06:38 pm

Big fan of the Enagbare pick. Yes, he's a clone of the Packers' other OLBs, but he's more in the Z mold than the P or Gary mold. I was dismayed that his early camp was so quiet, but he's showing well in joint practices. Could be a really nice value where they got him, and that's how teams that pick late in the draft stay on top.

2 points
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Coldworld's picture

August 17, 2022 at 07:47 pm

He needed the pads to come on and to be free to use his strength and power. It’s really tough for a rhino to look good in a ballet. Leave that to the fleet footed leaper gazelles.

1 points
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Cartwright's picture

August 17, 2022 at 09:38 am

He needs to feel an NFL pass rush, you can't learn how to handle that from the bench or even at practice. If lack of reps are the issue don't understand why Love only played a half. There's nobody behind him, we at least need a capable back up so why not let him get the experience and play a real game all the way through. He may not be the QB of the future but he is the back up of the present and should be given all the reps in preseason to prepare him for that role. GPG

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Coldworld's picture

August 17, 2022 at 10:14 am

They seemingly didn’t want to entrust him to the second O line. However, Etling was adequately protected. Caution is the watchword these days, but I’d expect to see more going forward.

1 points
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LLCHESTY's picture

August 17, 2022 at 01:13 pm

I think he needs work on blitz recognition and setting protections more. Not something he'll see much of in the preseason.

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Handsback's picture

August 17, 2022 at 10:08 am

Just a couple observations about Love. He has a very good to great arm. Nobody in the scouting realm will dispute that. What he didn't have in college was the footwork to go with it. Also he has never been forced to look at defenses the way a NFL QB does on day to day practice. The major college programs try to pound that early into their QBs, not so in the lessor programs.
Those two aspects will make Love an all pro QB if he can grasp it.
From what I heard and read from scouts prior to the Green Bay selection...Love has the talent, but he needed a lot of work to make him a NFL QB.
Starting QBs are gold for any team in the NFL. Starting QBs with live arms as good as Love are even more rare. So you can understand why Green Bay is not that interested in trading away a possible starter QB, that could develop into a rare talent. He may not develop, but are you willing to take that chance until you have exhausted all the means necessary that could make him a great QB?
That is the question!

9 points
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Packers0808's picture

August 17, 2022 at 11:05 am

Lowery will be kept, he had a really good proven season last year. Love will stick this year most likely, but will be gone next year he will not want to stay any longer behind Rodgers if he doesn't retire. And I still think Etling no matter how much he bounced around has upside! And NO I will not stop the Etling story just because a couple so called know it alls say to!

-1 points
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dobber's picture

August 17, 2022 at 06:40 pm

It's not Love's decision to leave next season--he's hitched to the Packers--unless he retires at 25.

1 points
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Packers0808's picture

August 17, 2022 at 06:46 pm

Never said he was, will be trade bait.

-1 points
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dobber's picture

August 17, 2022 at 06:58 pm

"but will be gone next year he will not want to stay any longer behind Rodgers"

<<Had a minor "getting the kid in the bath" emergency...a bit of a lag, here>>

I understand, it just didn't read that way to me.
Still, I think Love is in GB at least this season, and into camp 2023. I think his trade value goes up post-draft 2023 if he plays well in camp. If he gets some play in-season this year and shows well, I think the Packers will hold him into or through the 2023 season.

0 points
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Coldworld's picture

August 17, 2022 at 07:56 pm

If Love balls out in camp next year then we would be faced with trading away potentially 15 years of starting QB. That’s worth an entire roster of some franchises and GM careers. I just don’t think the Packers do that. Now if he’s just decent then maybe. Of course by then Rodgers could be retired …. Maybe getting ahead of ourselves.

1 points
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Lphill's picture

August 17, 2022 at 11:49 am

I did not like the Love pick and not really sold on him but in all fairness to him he needs more playing time to be able to make a fair talent assessment , plus he probably has added anxiety being behind Favre and Rodgers, hopefully he surprises us and is successful I don't think anyone is rooting for him to fail.

3 points
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Johnblood27's picture

August 17, 2022 at 05:14 pm

' I don't think anyone is rooting for him to fail."

Lphill... meet Stockholder...

3 points
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stockholder's picture

August 17, 2022 at 08:05 pm

He'll hang himself. The stakes are too high! And the packers don't have enough loose money. ( It's been committed to Rodgers. ) My point: Waiting for What? I'm rooting for a Trade. Not Failure.

-2 points
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Johnblood27's picture

August 17, 2022 at 09:40 pm

yo Stock, read todays practice report. young mr Love is actually progressing...

Like I said in another post, the 5th year commitment will tell the tale.

1 points
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splitpea1's picture

August 17, 2022 at 12:01 pm

Love accuracy: Any NFL QB should be able to make those short throws to the flat....You miss them and it takes away a chunk of the playbook for the next down. Gotta do better here.

Walker: I'm surprised he was in there for only two series given he's listed as first team. 7 He's got all the physical and mental prerequisites to be a great player--he'll be fine. Meanwhile, it appears we're still not done evaluating Summers, who should be exclusively a special teamer.

2 points
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jont's picture

August 17, 2022 at 12:13 pm

Love reading your stuff, but I've got to disagree with this bit: "One thing that keeps getting ignored is that what should have been Jordan's first pre-season was canceled due to Covid." It seems this gets mentioned in every thread on Love, usually more than once.

That aside, none of us can predict how he'll turn out, but all of us have expectations-- hopes for a few years the road, but expectations of a 1st rounder at this stage. For me, an average if life long fan, my expectations for our next franchise QB do not include "rollercoaster", and they do not include the type of criticism Love is getting for this throwing. He should be getting settled and consistent, and his arm should be the least of concerns considering the high praise it got in all the scouting reports.

Spoiled watching Rodgers' truly beautiful ability to throw, I know I have to manage my perceptions, but it not unreasonable to have mixed feelings on Jordan Love.

1 points
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Johnblood27's picture

August 17, 2022 at 05:19 pm

"but expectations of a 1st rounder at this stage."

lets qualify this just a bit...

If expectations are based upon the baseline of 2 consecutive HOF QB, that may be a bit unfair to Love.

If expectations are based upon the quote above, lets add in the qualifier "Late" before 1st rounder and consider timelines, opportunity and coaching into the expectations.

There now, thats better...

Jordan Love is just fine at this point. Promising - yes, Accomplished - not at the nfl level, need coaching polish - absolutely.

There - he is right on time.

Carry on...

1 points
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jont's picture

August 18, 2022 at 01:38 pm

I don't want to quibble, but he was more than a late 1st. The Packers traded their original first round pick (30th overall) and a fourth-round pick (136th overall) to get him at 26.

Look, I am not dumping on the guy; I am noting that there is sound reason for concern and, as much of a hope filled homer as I am, this glass might not be as half full as a lot of folks believe.

1 points
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PatB's picture

August 17, 2022 at 01:43 pm

I disagree that the 2020 COVID situation has been ignored. I have seen that mentioned too many times to count. What does get ignored is that despite COVID, 2020 gave Love lots of time to learn the playbook and some practice reps. It wasn't a normal rookie year, but it wasn't nothing.

I just rewatched his plays from the first game last year (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XrOgoOQ148w) and then his highlights from last Friday (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Bhi6-IzO-E). In that game from last year, almost everything he did looked labored. In the game from this year, his movements look quicker and smoother. (Keep in mind the highlights exclude his interceptions and misses.)

The next big decision on him is the fifth-year option next spring. Hopefully his next 2 preseason games and some occasional regular season mop-up duty make that decision easier than it currently looks.

1 points
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Coldworld's picture

August 17, 2022 at 02:32 pm

Love actually didn’t run the scout team. LaFleur later said that he threw more passes in the rookie mini camp the next spring than he did in the entire preceding year. Only so much one can improve as a QB by viewing plays on an iPad l.

3 points
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Leatherhead's picture

August 17, 2022 at 05:56 pm

I'm not entirely sure about extensive use of Dillon/Jones on the same play. I mean, I've always liked the idea of an offense that's driven by a stable of RB studs behind top blockers, with more passing to the TE and fewer to the WRs.

If you want to put your best 5 at the skill positions, I assume you'd want a guy like Lewis to help make holes for them. You've only got two left.

Also, when only one of them is on the field at a time, there's a 50% chance they'll get the ball on any given play. Even if you make the RBs 60% of the offense, if you cut that in half they'll each be around 30% on any given play. And it means you're only getting 40% of your offense from the WR and TE position.

I think the 3-1-1 fits us. The opponent has to play nickel or risk giving up a long play. That leaves 6 guys left to defend the run. Including Lewis, we have 6 guys blocking. That's not good math for the defense and it requires them to win too many individual battles.

If you try to play pass defense on 3 WRs with 4 defenders, that probably means man coverage with a single safety up high. Every reception becomes one weak tackle away from a big play. Especially when you're trying to tackle a horse like Lazard.

1 points
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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

August 17, 2022 at 06:52 pm

I tend to agree. No problem with some two RB sets as a change of pace once in a while. A couple of snaps per game, perhaps.

[Just thought I'd chime in to demonstrate that we are not always butting heads!]

0 points
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Coldworld's picture

August 17, 2022 at 08:02 pm

I’m not so sure this year. The contrasting styles, ability to pass block and ability of both to catch open a lot of options. That’s not to say most downs by a long shot, but arguably Dillon is a better passing weapon than any TE not called Tonyan and Jones might be our second best classic slot. I think we see more RB/Hback, TE combination’s this year.

0 points
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Oppy's picture

August 17, 2022 at 08:29 pm

I liked the part where Rodgers say about having Jones and Dillon on field at the same time: "We can beat down the defense with Dillon's punishing running style, then switch it up and burn them on the outside zone with AJ's one cut and go speed. We can really take over the ground game with both these guys on the field."

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Oppy's picture

August 18, 2022 at 06:27 am

EDIT: Whoops, I re-read the tweeted quote from Rodgers via Kruse, I misread it. Rodgers doesn't mention a thing about running the ball when both DIllon and Jones are on the field together. Literally everything he talked about has to do with the passing game. Silly me.

0 points
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Pack88's picture

August 18, 2022 at 07:50 pm

I have been waiting for a resurrection of Brockington and Lane for 40 years. Maybe they will change number to 42 and 36 and I'll freak out!

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