No excuses for Jordan Love as Packers starting QB
If Jordan Love is thrown into the fire this season, he couldn't ask for a better situation.
By markoldacres
When Matt LaFleur spoke to the media after the 2021 NFL Draft, the Packers head coach was asked for a sense of where Jordan Love is in his development.
His response: “It’s tough to tell, there were no pre-season games last year so he’s had limited exposure. We’re all interested to see where he’s at.”
If Love is indeed thrust into the starting line-up this season, he will be in the optimal environment for Green Bay to effectively evaluate their young quarterback.
Now, I’d like to preface this discussion by saying that Aaron Rodgers will most likely be back under center for the Packers this season.
The Packers have no motivation to trade Rodgers this year, other than having grown weary of his behavior and demands.
That leaves number 12’s options limited to:
- Sitting out and incurring hefty fines for doing so.
- Retiring, and writing Green Bay a check for an eye-watering $30m
- Putting his issues aside and suiting up for the Packers for another year.
Rodgers will likely choose the latter and opt to make one last run at a Lombardi trophy in green and gold.
However, if the worst happens, the same cast that would have supported Rodgers on a championship chase would instead allow Love to be assessed without any excuses.
A big part of Love’s disappointing final season at Utah State was the lack of surrounding talent he enjoyed, but the Green Bay offense boasts weapons aplenty, and looks to be a complete unit.
Love would be throwing to one of the best receivers in the game in Davante Adams, a steady, chain-moving number two in Allen Lazard, a lightning-rod deep threat in MVS and the final piece of the receiving room puzzle, a dangerous slot and gadget option in Amari Rodgers.
His blindside would be protected by the all-world left tackle David Bakhtiari once he returns from injury, and an otherwise solid and adaptable offensive line should help keep the young signal-caller upright.
When Love isn’t throwing the ball, he would be handing it off to the spectacular Aaron Jones and the bulldozing A.J. Dillon.
Love will also have the guidance of Matt LaFleur calling plays, who’s ability to scheme players open should ease the decision making and accuracy issues which plagued Love’s junior season for the Aggies.
This LaFleur offense made everyone stop asking if Rodgers was in decline and returned him to MVP form. The tree it’s derived from took the underwhelming duo of Jared Goff and Jimmy Garoppolo to the Super Bowl.
If Love doesn’t look at least competent in that same offense, after sitting and learning behind the wizard Aaron Rodgers for a year, he probably just doesn’t have ‘it’.
Love showed some of the most valuable and uncoachable tools during his time in college; arm strength, athleticism and the ability to make plays off platform. Matt LaFleur should be able to help with the rest.
On the other side of the ball, the Packers have stars at almost every level of their defense, with Kenny Clark, Za’Darius Smith, Jaire Alexander and Adrian Amos leading the group that would be looking to get Jordan Love the ball back.
Along with new defensive co-ordinator Joe Barry calling the shots and the additions of Eric Stokes and T.J. Slaton to bolster the defensive backfield and line respectively, there’s reason to believe that Green Bay can finally have an elite defense.
There’s no doubt that Jordan Love has talent. The former first round pick was compared to Patrick Mahomes during the 2020 pre-draft process.
While no-one should expect Love to hit those heights in his first year, the roster and coaching staff assembled by Brian Gutekunst would give him every chance to convince the Packers that he’s the potential long-term answer.
Jordan Love will be the Packers starting quarterback sooner or later, and if the transition does come in 2021, he couldn’t ask for a better situation around him.
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Mark Oldacres is a sports writer from Birmingham, England and a Green Bay Packers fan. You can follow him on twitter at @MarkOldacres
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Comments (133)
PackEyedOptimist
May 12, 2021 at 06:40 am
"The former first round pick was compared to Patrick Mahomes during the 2020 pre-draft process." I remember an article which described his best comparable to be Josh Allen--that would be just as excellent an outcome! It has been a long wait; I'm crossing my fingers and looking forward to see Love running the Packers offense; he's such an unknown to us fans!
BJP
May 12, 2021 at 07:11 am
You can say that again... ;-)
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
May 12, 2021 at 07:46 am
I have watched a lot of Love highlights prior to the Packers drafting him. The talent, arm strength, athleticism, mobility, and the improvisation abilities are totally Mahomes like. That was was why I was hoping for the Packers would draft him, and why I knew with 100% certainty when Goodell said the Packers have traded up it was going to be Love. Count me as Love's biggest fan here at CCTV. Move over GreenGold and Leatherhead!
Not sure why so many have doubt and angst about replacing a selfish aging diva who only puts his interests first. If you do and say what he wants (WR's and TE's) he rewards you.
Fleece a team desperate enough for the aging diva and further provide talent around Love. It is understandable why Rodger's is worried and acting out with all of Love's talent. As long as Packer brass do not fold under pressure the Packers are going to be fun to watch during the Love era.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
May 12, 2021 at 07:52 am
In any trade a WR talent should be required like Denver's Jeudy, or Courtland. The Packers are now loaded at every position on offense, but another #1 WR caliber receiver to go along with Adam's, and MVS as the #3, and Amari in the slot would be world beaters ensuring a smooth transition for Love taking over the reigns.
jeremyjjbrown
May 12, 2021 at 10:39 am
I don't prefer to trade Rodgers but if it has to happen then I want Jeudy and Lock and 2 firsts and 2 seconds on a post June 1 trade. Then I take the 14 million and extend Adams and Alexander immediately with Max deals. No way either says no to Max money. Then if Love shits the bed there is a ton of draft capital to take another swing at QB in the 2022 draft and another 22 million for Free Agents to surround either Love or the new QB with even more talent on the 5th youngest team in the NFL
It's not so bad sounding.
jeremyjjbrown
May 12, 2021 at 10:52 am
I would want Jeudy since Cortland is up for extension sooner.
CoachDino
May 12, 2021 at 02:30 pm
Good Thinking!! To me you're looking for DA replacement after this next contract, if possible. If DA get 4 years before an out that would line up well with having another#1 in the wings. Most likely jeudy will sign a nice contract then you can resign him if he's the man as the #1.
Unless DA won't resign because they traded for a potential replacement...lol...
wsn
May 12, 2021 at 05:23 pm
thumbs up. I'm not a fan of moving on from Rodgers, but if we do, this is how we do it.
my concern is that I don't think we'll get near the deal people think we can get. Not a lot of landing places that can take him on as a happy camper and if Rodgers and Green Bay can't work it out, there will be leverage for the Bronco's to keep an offer within reason and not overextend.
Seems to me Rodgers wins if he stays or if he goes. I think we can win either way as well, if it is a sensible transition, but without him it may be a few years down the road.
I suspect it will get worked out and both Rodgers and Packers are working on backing out of previous stances and will meet on equal footing and it won't result in making him the highest paid QB. Funny thing, but I feel this is the year we win the SB in spite of all this.
Nate-1980
May 12, 2021 at 05:01 pm
I got a chuckle out of all that hope with nothing to prove love can even win a game and hasn’t thrown one pass yet ha.. You’ll miss the aging diva when he’s gone, there’s stats and games one including a super bowl to back that up..:)
GatorJason
May 14, 2021 at 10:14 pm
Mahomes lit up on the practice field his rookie year, eluding tacklers and hitting receivers on the numbers while scrambling. Everyone could see he was special and would replace Alex Smith as starting QB the following year. Comparing Love to Mahomes is a stretch. Jordan has not shown any of the special attributes of running and throwing with accuracy. His Junior year he saw a lot of zone defenses and threw a lot of interceptions. So, between not throwing accurately and not being able to read zone defenses, Jordan has a long way to go to be a starting QB let alone emulate Mahomes who is now the best QB in the NFL.
dobber
May 12, 2021 at 07:53 am
NFL.com compared him to Blake Bortles.
https://www.nfl.com/prospects/jordan-love/32004c4f-5613-0776-be4c-ce231b...
...and if ARod disappears, Bortles could end up being Love's backup.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
May 12, 2021 at 08:16 am
Dobber,
There once were two men completely new to a city and who were uncertain on exactly how to reach their destination. They both walked up to a bus stop uncertain about the bus route but finally one got on and the bus left with the other man left standing there.
The bus is leaving and one can get on the bus, or they can remain and left wondering...
greengold
May 12, 2021 at 08:35 am
I'm drivin'!
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
May 12, 2021 at 09:27 am
:)
Try not taking the corners too fast as I want to look around and enjoy the ride/view!
TarynsEyes
May 12, 2021 at 09:20 am
The other was smarter and caught a Taxi. Guess who reached that destination first.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
May 12, 2021 at 09:29 am
LOL....and who over paid, and who didnt have enough money to return? So who was smarter in the long run?
TarynsEyes
May 12, 2021 at 09:59 am
Now like the blind optimist, you start adding if's to the equation.
Why would one need to return when the destination is the goal, for example, the Super Bowl?
Rodgers is taking the taxi to Denver and Love will be dealing with bus transfers, reroutes for years, and likely never getting to the goal, and dwelling in the land of, almost, which doesn't count for shit, but perhaps he'll have stats.
flackcatcher
May 12, 2021 at 11:17 am
Uber!
Since'61
May 12, 2021 at 12:17 pm
More like a private limo service. Thanks, Since '61
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
May 12, 2021 at 12:53 pm
And you the eternal pessimist!
You entirely missed my light hearted humor, and analogy about not having enough money to return. Probably shouldn't have been surprised!
With Rodger's salary and cap the Packers likely are unable to return to the Super Bowl due to the constraints it puts on the team in retaining/obtaining talent.
Nate-1980
May 12, 2021 at 05:06 pm
Bunch of turncoats here, wow..
CoachDino
May 12, 2021 at 02:34 pm
Great convo,
1) who said the guy could afford the taxi?
2) When taking the taxi and if wrong, your out of transport funds. Game Over
Unless of course its unlimited funds for both, in that case its no longer a viable analogy for the NFL which has a fund limit.
I'd use the "who moved my cheese" analogy (is that the correct term?). If you don't make a decision to move on nothing changes and you die a slow death.
PeteK
May 12, 2021 at 08:56 am
He certainly has talent , but I think he's in need of at least one more season. It takes time to learn to read NFL defenses and develop some touch throws. That extra season of learning by mimicking Rodgers would be invaluable.
greengold
May 13, 2021 at 12:20 pm
Is there really any difference in having not played a single NFL down your rookie season, vs. playing in 1 game, completing 1 pass in just 3 attempts the entire season as a rookie QB?
Not really.
Those numbers were Tom Brady's first season as an NFL rookie in 2000. Bledsoe was the starter. He remained starter until week 2 of 2001 when he took a hit and suffered internal bleeding. The Pats were 0-2 to start the 2001 season when Brady took over, starting v. IND in a ROMP. They went on to an 11-5 season and won the Super Bowl, Tom Brady leading the way with virtually NO PRIOR EXPERIENCE.
Say what you will. Ask Aaron Rodgers if you can borrow his flame thrower to torch me for making this comparison. Did Tom Brady do all of that on his own? Hell no. Did he have guidance from his HC, Bill Belichick, who had never won a Super Bowl as a HC? Hell yes. The bigger point, ultimate success can be achieved in this similar scenario.
Jordan Love is quite possibly walking into a position as a starter on a stacked NFL team, with talent galore at nearly every single position on the team. The guy can literally make every throw imaginable.
With a supremely motivated and competitive Matt LaFleur guiding the way? I like our chances here.
Start Love Week 1. I think he will be great. We'll see.
jannesbjornson
May 12, 2021 at 04:03 pm
Sure in 2023
PackEyedOptimist
May 12, 2021 at 06:40 am
"The former first round pick was compared to Patrick Mahomes during the 2020 pre-draft process." I remember an article which described his best comparable to be Josh Allen--that would be just as excellent an outcome! It has been a long wait; I'm crossing my fingers and looking forward to see Love running the Packers offense; he's such an unknown to us fans!
greengold
May 12, 2021 at 07:09 am
“The Packers have no motivation to trade Rodgers this year, other than having grown weary of his behavior and demands.”
We see this sentiment a lot. There is something to getting the most value from a commodity that costs an inordinate amount of capital to keep on hand: Sell high.
I don’t see this as anything more. One, you are able to realize the best ROI. Two, you instantly become more fiscally sound. Three, you sell before any possible depreciation of your asset, more than a decade in the making.
3 motivating factors that readily apply to the Packers to “sell high, sell now.”
As for Jordan Love, I think us Packer fans are going to be in for a treat. The premise of this article is right. Love is now immersed in possibly the best possible scenario to make a name for himself. With LaFleur as his guide? Look out, NFL.
One other factor Jordan Love has in his favor is he has no fear of this situation.
Leatherhead
May 12, 2021 at 07:06 am
That is how I see it as well.
The author says we have lots of weapons on offense and talent on defense. Obviously, he doesn’t read the comments section here.
greengold
May 12, 2021 at 09:03 am
Ha, No shit. Who is this author? Markoldacres... This is literally one of the best pieces ever written for CHTV. Well done, Markoldacres.
What a ride for Jordan Love. All I know is 3 teams in need of a franchise QB passed on him, and the Packers didn’t. All 3 of those teams chose QB 1-2-3 in this 2021 draft, the last, SF, spending more than Chicago paid for Khalil Mack to move into that #3 spot.
Packers are sitting here, ready to possibly trade Aaron Rodgers, like: (head shake, shoulder shrug) “... what?”
murf7777
May 12, 2021 at 09:59 am
And 23 teams passed on Arod, so your point isn’t valid. Every draft there are players that have great careers and were overlooked. Hmmmm....how about Wilson or a man named Brady.
greengold
May 12, 2021 at 12:00 pm
Yeah, and Bart Starr was pick #200 in 1956. Whatever.
You completely missed my point. The Niners traded up from 12 to 3. That cost them THREE R1s and an R3. Both JAX and NYJ were back to grab a QB at the top. DEN who also passed on QB last year...? Here we are, 1 year later, and we might be the ones in line to realize a windfall of a couple R1s and more, along with a couple of quality players in exchange for the reigning MVP.
WHY???? Because Gutekunst took the guy who dropped, just like Ted did in 2005 - making it possible to trade that very same legendary Ted pick. I didn't want it to go this way, but this is where our team stands right now, and that reigning MVP doesn't want to play for us. Meanwhile, the Packers protected their interests for the future.
I like the Jordan Love pick. Gutekunst traded only an R4 for the opportunity to take him. I hate how Aaron Rodgers has handled all of this. Time to move on. Good. I'm ready as a fan. Bring it.
murf7777
May 12, 2021 at 02:17 pm
Sorry, misinterpreted your point.
PhantomII
May 12, 2021 at 11:31 am
Rodgers is showing everyone who has eyes why 23 teams passed on him. The best thing Rodgers could do is return and use his new found drive to WIN a championship.....maybe run it in from 8 yards when wide open to do so on 3rd down this time.
Nate-1980
May 12, 2021 at 05:12 pm
Truth isn’t allowed here murf, according to these guys love is already in the hof hahaha.. Love this in the article “ decision making and accuracy issues which plagued Love’s junior season“, sounds like nothing could go wrong there haha..
Guam
May 12, 2021 at 07:23 am
I sincerely hope you are right GG and Jordan Love is a winner. Unfortunately this little voice in my head keeps reminding me that slightly more than half the QBs taken in the first round are busts. I hope we don't sell a HOF QB dearly just to find out we don't have a replacement.
greengold
May 12, 2021 at 08:41 am
Hey Guam! You know I understand that as well. I’ve listened to some of Love’s own comments while digging for info, and he said he was ready last year... You gotta like that kind of confidence.
I think Gutekunst & LaFleur are both very bright people. They, especially Brian, have staked their reputations on this selection. They knew it in that lightening quick moment, while on the clock. Until they show me otherwise, I’m supportive of them 100%.
When you hire someone to run your company, you're often looking for that person who is discerning, intelligent, well studied and experienced, unafraid to make the bold moves to set your interests, your company apart from your competition. That’s who we have in Brian Gutekunst. That’s who he’s showing himself to be. He’s not perfect. No one is, but he’s trending in the right direction.
If he pulls this off successfully, we may be witnessing greatness at the NFL GM level, on a historical level.
This is pretty heady stuff, and I would not be surprised if he has this plan all drawn out and saved on a giant whiteboard somewhere. Probably in his basement. He’s got outs too if Love doesn’t work out, with a Rodgers trade scenario, in that he would have the draft capital to move up to take another swing. Worst case scenario.
Imagine if AR had been less superstar and more all-in team player. Following LaFleur’s wishes to a T... taking less to make it work with a restructure ... playing through the contract with all he has... we may have won the SB, and could possibly win more to end the career here in GB. The dream scenario. Those are rare.
Looks like Aaron the superstar blew that up. Maybe Aaron the person just wants a change of scenery. Regardless, it sure looks over for him playing in GB. And, the Packers are ready.
Seems we’ve got a good, possibly great steward of this team in BG. “Lotta ballgame left!” We’ll see.
dobber
May 12, 2021 at 08:09 am
"This is pretty heady stuff, and I would not be surprised if he has this plan all drawn out and saved on a giant whiteboard somewhere. "
With flow charts. People dig flow charts.
greengold
May 12, 2021 at 08:50 am
I've seen this kind of brilliance materialize, manifest itself in just this way, where every possible scenario was drawn out on a white board with the ultimate success, the main goal, achieved at the ending. AND, IT WORKED! I'm talking about a business venture that reaped hundreds of millions. On a white board, saw it work from start to finish. Pretty damn cool.
Kinda funny to share, but, this seems reminiscent of what we may be witnessing right now.
Make no mistake, Aaron Rodgers is a hot, hot, hot commodity for franchises that have no QB. Also, he is legit, having just won the MVP, with who knows how many more quality years of play ahead of him? He could EASILY outplay another contract at a very high level, with the right team.
I thought we were the right team...
He doesn't want to play here, in GB. What are the options? Sell high. or lose out on getting a return on investment.
Since'61
May 12, 2021 at 09:42 am
greengold I always used whiteboards throughout my consulting career. When I would be on a project in an Asian country they would not let me erase a whiteboard until the meeting participants took pictures of the whiteboard with their cell phones.
At first I didn't understand what was happening but after a few trips I expected it.
In any case good planning needs good implementation to yield a successful result. That's where Love comes in.
The sooner the games slows down for him and he can correctly read defenses the better. That is the transition that he needs to get through. How long that transition will take is anyone's guess. Thanks, Since '61
dobber
May 12, 2021 at 11:09 am
It's a more and more common practice in my college courses, too.
Since'61
May 12, 2021 at 12:24 pm
Dobber, yes I'm sure that it is. But I first encountered it in Seoul,South Korea back in 2004. Then in Japan, China, Hong Kong and Singapore. Australia with a large Asian population also caught on and eventually it was happening in the USA, Europe and South America. Easier than taking notes, but less security for proprietary information, especially where our approach and planning process was concerned. Fortunately it never came back to bite us.
So it's all good. Be well Dobber. Thanks, Since '61
PeteK
May 12, 2021 at 10:36 am
Also a large rabbit's foot.
Guam
May 12, 2021 at 09:01 am
GG: I agree with your assessment of Gute - I think he has done a stellar job of quickly rebuilding a somewhat talent thin roster he inherited from TT. For that reason I certainly am giving him the benefit of the doubt on the Jordan Love selection. However there have been other really good GM's that have cratered on picking QBs.
I think your point about trading Rodgers for a boat load of draft picks which can then be used for another QB is if Love doesn't work out is valid. At least there would be options if Love busts.
I am a Packer fan first and a player fan second (and have been since the Lombardi era), so one way or another, I hope this works out well for the team.
Leatherhead
May 12, 2021 at 09:50 am
Guam, you’ve said that before about how half of first round QBs failing, so I did some checking, and you are correct.
But why? There are several reasons. Some, like RG3 and Teddy Bilgewater , took serious injuries. Some, like Johnny Manziel and Brady Quinn, were taken by dysfunctional front offices. Others never got a decent team put around them. And others, like Jake Locker, Mitch Trubisky, and Christian Ponder, were simply drafted too early by teams that were desperate for a QB.
The QBs that were drafted by decent organizations that put a decent team around them have had some success, and that inclines me to believe that Love might be in the 50% that succeeds, and not the 50% that fails
Guam
May 12, 2021 at 03:42 pm
Point taken LH. There are many reasons for failure and not all of them due to the shortcomings of the drafted QB. Nonetheless, the failure rate is surprisingly high given all the research and effort that goes into finding "the guy". A flip of the coin, even if it slightly tilted by a good Packers team, is not very comforting when giving up a HOF QB. Maybe necessary, but not comforting.
Leatherhead
May 12, 2021 at 04:25 pm
By my count, there were quite a few HOF QBs playing last year: Brady, Brees, Rodgers and Roethlisberger for starters, and Wilson and Mahomes on the way. Jackson, Allen, maybe some more before they’re done. They aren’t as rare as they might appear to be.
Change is always unsettling, but times always do, and must, change , my friend.
jannesbjornson
May 12, 2021 at 08:18 pm
None on that list deserved a first round grade.
jeremyjjbrown
May 12, 2021 at 10:50 am
That's why if it has to happen you get Draft Capital for Rodgers. Then you can take another swing at QB in 2022. MLF is going to make 1 of them work.
marginwalker76
May 12, 2021 at 07:11 pm
Nah. You use those picks to build the best possible team you can around Love. You give that guy a chance to succeed
egbertsouse
May 12, 2021 at 06:46 am
You forgot Rodgers fourth option :
4. Gutey and Murphy completely capitulate and hand Rodgers the keys to the candy store (3-year extension at $135 mil fully guaranteed) thereby blowing up the cap and insuring that if Love ever starts he will be throwing to UDFAs from St. Norberts.
SanLobo
May 12, 2021 at 07:50 am
There’s a fifth option as well. Rodgers and the Front Office come to an accord that satisfies both groups. Communications between parties becomes routine and better. Rodgers focuses on his play and performs well. The two sides build trust and the whole team gets better. Love sits behind Rodgers and continues to improve under quality coaching (or is found to not be able to play and is eventually replaced) and the Green Bay organization is aligned, top to bottom, to move forward.
Razer
May 12, 2021 at 08:17 am
Big thumbs up for SanLobo for embracing the positive. As of late, I have not been as hopeful. This would be a very favorable outcome and ensure a smooth post-Rodgers transition. I would think that Aaron would need to acknowledge and value this as part of his negotiation.
SanLobo
May 12, 2021 at 08:49 am
Thank you, Razer. My many (far more than I like to admit) years of working some very tough issues has taught me if you can get the parties to see each other’s point of view, and then apply creative rational approaches to reaching acceptable solutions, you can generate positive communications between parties. That usually leads to mutually acceptable ways forward. It takes a ton of work, but can significantly improve situations and organizations.
LambeauPlain
May 12, 2021 at 10:07 am
Win/Win is always the best for long term, productive relationships.
I have a feeling Rodgers started out in a Win/Lose negotiation. He wins, the Packers lose.
I have known he is very arrogant but I have been disappointed in his apparent vindictiveness. I am hoping the report he is back negotiating with the Packers is a sign he may be moving toward a Win/Win scenario.
His opportunity to win another Lombardi is best in GB....if that is still important to him.
dobber
May 12, 2021 at 07:57 am
As a St. Norbert alum, I will say that Love better check to make sure those UDFA pass-catchers are sober at game time.
HarryHodag
May 12, 2021 at 07:48 am
I would like to remind the faithful that Aaron Rodgers was far from a superhero his first season starting. As time went on he got better.
COVID prevented Love from live game action so his development will likely be slower. But in today's 'win the Super Bowl today or your fired' mentality, I'm sure the 'faithful' will be wanting blood the first time he throws an interception.
My take is the deal with Denver is complete. They're waiting for June 1 to mitigate the cap hit a bit. Bridgewater will be coming this way. He is in the final year of his contract. So he will be the Packers QB for one season, be gone, then Love will take over.
The Packers cap will be about the same but they will be rid of the Rodgers problem. Then they can deal with others who will want to jump ship, like D. Adams.
Johnblood27
May 12, 2021 at 07:58 am
You nailed that Harry
Im sure the conversations between GBP and AR are all about "just keep the lid on things until June 1"
Hence the silence from AR and the "foreseeable future" mindset espoused from 1265.
Buh Bye
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
May 12, 2021 at 07:58 am
Adam's should be included in the Denver trade with the Packers getting Jeudy and Courtland. Why not sweeten the trade unloading an aging superstar, Adam's to get young stars in Jeudy and Cortland that will surround Love for years? Plus, if the diva is traded Adam's is likely gone next year anyway since he knows Rodgers is his meal ticket.
HawkPacker
May 12, 2021 at 08:35 am
That would be fine. We should insist on receiving Chubb and Surtain in the Rogers deal.
dobber
May 12, 2021 at 08:39 am
This is entering the realm of fantasy football...
HawkPacker
May 12, 2021 at 09:17 am
Why? We know how good Rodgers is (MVP)? We don't know how good Surtain will be.
Rodgers plays the most important position in football as well.
Also, we don't want draft picks as number 1's will be almost second rounders as you know with the trade team getting Rodgers, they will make the playoffs and could win it all. Thus late first round picks.
Nate-1980
May 12, 2021 at 05:23 pm
Great scenario “ Also, we don't want draft picks as number 1's will be almost second rounders as you know with the trade team getting Rodgers, they will make the playoffs and could win it all. Thus late first round picks.”.. As the packers don’t even make the playoffs, I guess we win as fans, don’t we ?
Rebecca
May 15, 2021 at 07:06 pm
Adams is special. He doesn’t need an apostrophe.
beerandbrats
May 12, 2021 at 07:19 pm
I'm OK with Bridgewater running the show for a year if push comes to shove and AR departs. Mariota is also an attractive one year rental and rumor has it, Gruden and Mayock would give up the farm for a franchise QB!
I think Bridgewater and Mariota both give us a shot at the playoffs AND buy us one more year to get Love ready.
Razer
May 12, 2021 at 08:04 am
Good article MarkOldAcres. Jordan Love does have a lot of tools around him to succeed. I do think that we underestimate how much Rodgers has made the LaFleur offense work. The run game has opened up the throws for Rodgers but he has done likewise for the run as he reads what the defense is giving. Without Rodgers defenses can tune for the run and option plays. Which brings me to the only question mark on Jordan Love - can he make good decisions at NFL speed. Staring down receivers, forcing the ball into coverage or failing to check out of doomed plays are yet-to-be-determined with Love. Is he smart enough and fast (thinking) enough to play at a higher level. We are going to find out.
dobber
May 12, 2021 at 08:23 am
Both you and Harry above hit the main point: very few QBs walk into their first starting role and kill it, and a lot of that has to do with LOS adjustments and NFL speed/talent that these guys just don't see at the college level--even in the SEC. Admittedly, most young QBs walk onto the field playing for low-to-middling teams, too.
Love will likely be a system QB for most of his first season as a starter...whenever that is. That still makes him better than Kirk Cousins.... ;)
Roadrunner23
May 12, 2021 at 08:05 am
If Love is thrust into the starting job this season it probably won’t be pretty at times and I’m sure MLF would scheme plenty of safe throws to build confidence.
The pieces are there, elite veteran players on offense and a defense full of talent.
Also a renewed emphasis on Special Teams with A competent ST Coach can’t hurt either.
I think most of us agree that this situation with Rodgers has to get settled once and for all within the next few weeks or it is going to bleed into and possibly undermine the upcoming season.
Packers management, man up, make your decision and fix this now!
dobber
May 12, 2021 at 08:15 am
With some luck, Love will be able to hit all those open, underneath WRs and TEs that ARod chose not to throw to.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
May 12, 2021 at 08:19 am
LOL! I would think in year 1 for Love that should be a LF mandate. :)
blacke00
May 12, 2021 at 08:38 am
Dobber...You got it there!
In reality, the vast majority of 1st round QBs(especially early picks) end up on teams that stink (very mild word). They are doomed to failure. JL was drafted to a team with established successful players. If he plays his cards right he should be moderately successful. He needs to play within his game and the Packers will do well.
People have to remember AR had a MVP year because he had a "lot of helpers". Don't believe me? Please name last MVP on a below average to average team?
dobber
May 12, 2021 at 08:41 am
Adrian Peterson---because the Vikings always suck.
Lphill
May 12, 2021 at 08:13 am
What a joke all the homers convincing themselves Love is the guy. Horrible scouting reports , strong arm only positive, doesn't every QB have a strong arm? If Love is the guy at least the Packers will have the first pick in the next draft.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
May 12, 2021 at 08:22 am
Such a pessimistic view! Every QB has a strong arm? Have you watched Bridgewater's passing? I used to have front row seats and watched him pass. I will grant his arm has improved since his early NFL seasons but there are no laser throws. Always has a little rainbow look to his throws.
dobber
May 12, 2021 at 08:29 am
Agreed. The number of QBs coming out an an annual basis who can "make all the throws" is pretty low.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
May 12, 2021 at 08:31 am
Horrible scouting reports? From internet self promoting football experts, or from NFL scouting departments? Because we know at least one NFL with a very good scouting department disagrees. I think I will put my faith and trust in them vs some self promoting internet experts who are trying to generate click bait.
madtowndan
May 12, 2021 at 08:51 am
Spoken like a true Viking fan.
greengold
May 12, 2021 at 09:09 am
Lphill,
Never mind.
Nate-1980
May 12, 2021 at 05:32 pm
Yup homer skimpsons all around with blind optimism..Come on downvotes !! The koolaid is lime right ? Has to be, or is it lemon ?
HankScorpio
May 13, 2021 at 06:00 am
Blind optimists and blind pessimists are two sides of the same ridiculous coin,
Doug_In_Sandpoint
May 12, 2021 at 08:15 am
June 1 will be the big day. Our QB goes to Denver in an even-up exchange for Surtain. Of course, we’ll need to find a back up for Rodgers who will get an extension, but Love will be the new Broncos starter. Your welcome in advance for fixing this.
HawkPacker
May 12, 2021 at 09:11 am
That is not enough in return for Rogers. Add Chubb as well.
dobber
May 12, 2021 at 09:15 am
He said Surtain for Love.
HawkPacker
May 12, 2021 at 09:19 am
Ah, need to read closer. Thanks Dobber.
Since'61
May 12, 2021 at 09:48 am
Doug that would certainly be an interesting flip of the table. However since the Packers drafted Stokes I would prefer to get Jeudy rather Surtain in return. That would give our offense an excellent #2 to pair with Adams.
I wouldn't mind Love for Chubb either since we need another solid DL.
Anything can happen. Always expect the unexpected.
Thanks, Since '61
Nate-1980
May 12, 2021 at 05:34 pm
Comment of the day Doug, you had me in the beginning haha..:)
MarkinMadison
May 12, 2021 at 08:25 am
I think MLF's assessment of Love is honest and probably on the nose. We just don't know. There will be growing pains. Yes, this is a team built to win now, but odds are that Love will need at least a year to get his feet under him, if ever. The question for Love isn't his physical talent, it is his mental processing ability. Let's say he's like Rodgers, and it takes him until his third season to make a Super Bowl run. Whelp, then you look at the 2023 contract list and see large numbers of unsigned starters - if you take Rodgers out of the equation there are about 5 guys who started in 2020 who are under contract for 2023. Maybe it is inevitable. Maybe it has to happen. If so, fleece some young starters and/or some 1st round draft picks from whomever. But don't EXPECT to see another NFCCG until at least 2024, because the roster is not built that way.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
May 12, 2021 at 08:34 am
Well, 2021 is year #2 for Love!
I will make a prediction upfront! If Rodgers is traded the Packers will win more games with Love at the helm in his first year as a starter than Rodgers did in his.
MarkinMadison
May 12, 2021 at 09:03 am
Third year as a starter. Rodgers was drafted in 2005. He got to the Super Bowl following the 2010 season. But I like you optimism. Certainly Love is set up to succeed in year 1, if he can take advantage. Year 2 might not be too bad, because off-loading Rodgers would certainly help the cap some in 2022. Year 3 you just don't know what this team will look like at all. Too soon to tell.
MarkinMadison
May 12, 2021 at 09:04 am
Double post.
Nate-1980
May 12, 2021 at 05:37 pm
Well said mark, I agree..:)
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
May 12, 2021 at 08:37 am
Love, if you read CCTV you NEED to contact CCTV for my contact info to hire me to either be your agent, or at the very least hire me to be on your PR team. :)
Nate-1980
May 12, 2021 at 05:38 pm
Gross
Swisch
May 12, 2021 at 09:24 am
There are no guarantees with either Rodgers or Love.
It was only three seasons ago that the Packers were 6-9-1 with Aaron Rodgers -- which is to say that even Rodgers isn't a sure thing at quarterback in any given season.
I'm very hopeful about Jordan Love even if he has some struggles at first. As long as he shows a good measure of skills, poise, and determination, I want to be patient with him.
It seems Josh Allen showed enough pluck and promise in his first two seasons with the Bills to keep enthusiasm for him alive even as he made plenty of mistakes. In his third year he made the pro bowl.
That being said, I'm hopeful the Packers are good enough overall to be a playoff team if Love is our quarterback as early as this season.
He may even help the offense in some ways by being more willing to distribute the ball to more of our skill players; by showing more cooperation with our coaches; and by setting a positive tone overall as being more attuned to the team.
I'd be glad to hear convincing news that Rodgers has been a model teammate all along who is terribly misunderstood; and that he's ready with an excellent attitude to lead the Packers going forward.
However, if that's not nearly the case behind the scenes, I'd much rather go with Love.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
May 12, 2021 at 09:35 am
Swish, well stated as always!
Archie
May 12, 2021 at 10:25 am
Yes, the best scenario for Packer fans was for Love to have another year to watch and learn. Unfortunately, AR12 understands that all too well and refuses to allow it to happen. So he has thrown this monkey wrench into the works. To me, this is treasonous. Thus, I say to Gute, make the best deal you can for AR12 and move on. I am prepared to live with the consequences. Does anybody really think 2021 will work out the way we want if somehow AR12 is forced to be Pack's QB1? I don't. So cut your losses. And I was ARod's biggest fan from the beginning. But, when somebody turns on you and puts a knife in your back, there is no going back for either party. All I will say about Packers' FO is that it was very naive of them to think that they could draft Love w/o alienating Rodgers. Odds are 50-50 that Love will succeed as our QB1. Will Adams stay w/o ARod? Probably not. Make a huge trade and pair up Adams/Rodgers to same trade partner.
Since'61
May 12, 2021 at 10:48 am
Archie we agree that this would be the time to move both AR and Adams. I've been posting this since last week.
Andrew Brandt's SI article supports your point about the naïveté of the Packers FO.
"The news of Aaron’s unhappiness is not shocking. What exactly did the Packers think his reaction would be, whether last year or this year?
To be clear, I don’t subscribe to the narrative that the Packers have not “helped” Rodgers on the personnel side. The Packers have a top-five offensive line, a top 10 running back, maybe the league’s top receiver and their tight end led the league in touchdowns for the position. I know a new standard was set with Tom Brady importing veteran personnel to Tampa, but we all know the Packers are never going to allow that. To me, however, that does not appear to be the real issue with Aaron. Rather, it is a more personal issue about open and honest communication from team management, especially the general manager.
Having been in that building for 10 years, I know firsthand how the Packers operate. There is no owner: There is a president, an executive committee and a board of directors, and they all defer to the general manager on football issues. It has always been that way since before I got there in 1999. And general manager Brian Gutekunst is a disciple of Ted Thompson, someone with elite evaluation skills but deficiencies in communication and expression. The personnel staff at the Packers have always lived and breathed scouting and are excellent at what they do, but there is some lacking in people skills.
Aaron and his agents have probably wanted to know “the plan” for him and Love for some time. Having been in that position, I understand why the Packers have probably been vague in answering him. Teams want as much flexibility as possible. They don’t want to be locked into a decision and later accused of reneging or, worse, lying. But what seems to have been needed with Aaron is a softer touch, a point person in the front office to level with him and provide a clear picture of the present and future.
Here is the reality: Sports, as entertainment, is a star-driven business, and Aaron is a true A-lister in sports. Yes, football is a team game and coaches preach "all for one, and one for all," blah, blah, blah, but that ignores the reality in the business of sports: Greater talent merits greater leverage for different treatment.
Superstars who move the needle are not the same as other players. We treated Brett differently from the rest of the team; it was simply good business to do that. My sense is the Packers have certainly treated Aaron as well as any player they have, but for what he has done for them, that is not enough.
I have negotiated player contracts for two decades and managed an NFL salary cap for one. I have learned—sometimes the hard way—that the numbers will eventually take care of themselves. What really matters are the relationships. It is a people business, and there are no more important people than the ones who drive your product. It can be frustrating for accomplished people to cater to superstars—agents and managers do it every day—but that is the business we are in. And it happens throughout sports, music and entertainment."
TAGSBUSINESS OF FOOTBALL
BY ANDREW BRANDT
Since this story broke I've been posting that this is a poor management/communication issue. Brandt has been on the inside. He understands the deal. I rest my case here until we have a resolution on this issue. Thanks, Since '61
flackcatcher
May 12, 2021 at 11:56 am
I agree with your assessment '61 of the Packers' organization handling of the Rodgers situation. Watching it looks more and more that this was a 'collective' decision to take the hit on Rodgers. Hope for the best, prepare for the worst. This is 'the Packer way' at work in real time and out in the open. Never see this with other sports organizations. Amazing.
greengold
May 12, 2021 at 12:18 pm
I read Brandt's article too, and feel he missed the mark a bit with his lead in commentary, asking, "What exactly did the Packers think his reaction would be...?"
Who cares? Maybe the Packers were indifferent about it. Things move so quickly during the draft, it's possible AR's reaction was not foremost in their minds. Maybe they felt he would understand the Packers did what they had to do, and were expected to do at some point.
Gutekunst had a job to do, take the best player he could for his team, and spent an R4 to go up and get Love. Is Aaron Rodgers a grown man, or what? How long has he been in the NFL? He should understand the Packers were going to take a QB to groom as the heir apparent at some point.
OF ALL PEOPLE, Aaron Rodgers should understand what took place there, and not vilify Gutekunst for doing his job. Instead... look what we get. Someone taking a flamethrower to 1265. I never thought that was possible after what he experienced with Favre, but, there it is.
Since'61
May 12, 2021 at 05:18 pm
greengold I agree. I never thought the current situation would be possible either. I think Brandt's point is that after what happened with Favre someone should have anticipated/expected Rodger's reaction.
I agree that in the heat of the moment with Love dropping on the board that Gute wouldn't be thinking of calling Rodgers. But he was not alone in the war room. Murphy, Ball, MLF and others were there as well. Someone should (point person) have had the presence of mind to give Rodgers a heads up while Gute was working on the trade for Love.
The frustrating part of this is that now we'll never know if that call would have made a difference or not. I'm thinking with or without the pick for Love Rodgers would still want to control the timeline for his eventual exit from Green Bay rather than just keeping the seat warm for Love. (Brandt's words)
Either way I believe that things will work out for the best. Stay well. Thanks, Since '61
PatrickGB
May 12, 2021 at 10:27 am
One big advantage that Rodgers has over Love (and most every other QB) is brains. Knowing the defense and knowing where his receivers are going to be is something that all great QB’s have. Also accuracy is often more important than a strong arm.
Ferrari-Driver
May 12, 2021 at 10:27 am
WOW! Now that is the kind of optimism I like to see on a Wednesday morning. You make an excellent case for success for our Packers' team without our leader for the last decade. Rodgers has some big shoes to fill, but as the old sayings go (1) pro football is a young man's game and (2) time marches on. I was a Packer fan when the great Bart Starr was our quarterback and I expect I will be a Packer fan long after Aaron Rodgers is running the Jeopardy program if that is his destiny. Thanks for a super article.
LambeauPlain
May 12, 2021 at 10:33 am
Love has many resources to lean on, should he take the ball.
At the top of the list is Coach Matt and also Hackett and Luke Getsy. Both Matt and Hackett have been adept teaching QBs. But so has Getsy.
And Matt must see Luke's ability as he has promoted him to QB Coach/Pass Game Coordinator.
10ve 💚
May 12, 2021 at 10:34 am
".. but the Green Bay offense boasts weapons aplenty, and looks to be a complete unit.. "
Hmmm... isn't the knock on the Packers FO the fact that they are not getting AR12 enough weapons? Did just the addition of one player (Amari Rodgers) make this a "complete unit"?
10ve 💚
May 12, 2021 at 10:37 am
By the way, I am one of those who agree with this article and do think that the Packers have a very good offense. But talking heads do not seem to think so... screw them! :)
jeremyjjbrown
May 12, 2021 at 10:53 am
I don't prefer to trade Rodgers but if it has to happen then I want Jeudy and Lock and 2 firsts and 2 seconds on a post June 1 trade. Then I take the 14 million and extend Adams and Alexander immediately with Max deals. No way either says no to Max money. Then if Love shits the bed there is a ton of draft capital to take another swing at QB in the 2022 draft and another 22 million for Free Agents to surround either Love or the new QB with even more talent on the 5th youngest team in the NFL. MLF is going to make 1 of Love, Lock or new guy work out and the team will be even more loaded with non QB talent.
It's not so bad sounding.
croatpackfan
May 12, 2021 at 11:12 am
You all know that I'm very disappointed with Aaron Rodgers behaviour in this dispute with Packers. I admit that we do not know if he said what Shafter wrote as Aaron's attitude, or is not, but silence is often proof of the truth. I really do not understand why he did not comment claim that he do not want to play any more for Packers, if that is not truth. It is very simple. He needed to do just that, becuase that claim was the most devastating. We all know his attitude regarding drafting Jordan Love.
Contrary to that I still believe he is the Man, and Packers can be in position to be winner this season again. Hopefully win the SB, too. So, I would like him to be back, but not under the condition that will cripple Packers for long time in the future. If Aaron wanted legacy, that would not be his best move...
What I also believe is that Jordan Love is the Man for the Packers, but not yet. He will be in the Packers future. Why I believe that, I can not explain. It is just feeling I have. I'm only affraid of the situation if he will come into the game to soon and burn out quickly. He might be already ready for playing in NFL, or he is not. That is what we do not know.
What rise my optimism about Jordan Love is Aaron Rodgers reaction on bringing him in and all this "games" Aaron plays, with wish to get contract (extension) which will not allow Packers to part ways with him if he decline and Jordan Love rise. It looks like he (and organization) knows that Jordan Love is his excellent successor for future. And Aaron Rodgers knows that Jordan Love needs at least another season to be able to replace him.
All this MVP talks for me are rediculous. Do you really believe Aaron Rodgers would achieve that title without team (schemas, tactics, preparations), coaches and other players on the roster. We all saw Davante Adams was among the best WR w/o Aaron Rodgers in the helm. Aaron Jones? How many bad throws was made by Aaron in this last season. Throws that was not on the target and many catched throws comes because his receivers where adapting themselves to the not precise throws. Think about that. System placed by MLF started to show us all the benefits we were expecting. Do you really believe that it was only because of the brilliance of Aaron Rodgers? Think about that. I do not believe in that.
Again, I pray to God that all this shamefull dispute will not have negative effect on innocent Jordan Love...
CoachDino
May 12, 2021 at 02:55 pm
Very logical take. really liked the MVP reasoning. Ive been posting on that as well. AR didn't turn things around untill after Gute and MLF came in. So between the players, the scheme and AR improvement, I'd lay the majority of merit on the FO (Players, scheme (Coach) as that's what changed in the equation. It was the same AR.
Rudedawg67
May 12, 2021 at 11:44 am
I wouldn’t assume this receiving Corp beyond Adams is talented for one. Maybe everyone looks good because we have a competent quarterback right now. James Jones and Randall Cobb moved onI didn’t do anything. I will just say this, if you Love can’t perform defenses are going to stack the box and stop Jones and Dillon. It happened with Kizer and Hundley. The offense will find itself in more third and longs then they care to be in, the defense will be on the field more and that’ll be a recipe for disaster. I know we think the defense is turning the corner but I believe last year a lot of their deficiencies was hidden by the fact the office held the ball so long, put points on the board, and made the other offenses more one dimensional.
I hope Rodgers is here at least one more year and gives Love more time to develop. For once I would like it if the front office with just cut their losses and admit they made a mistake if Love isn’t the guy. If this team is as talented as everyone thinks, you can’t waste two or three years on a developmental quarterback.
CoachDino
May 12, 2021 at 03:05 pm
don't understand the thumbs down, look like valid points to me.
As fans we don't need to put down AR to support Love, or Love to support Ar, or FO to support AR or AR to support the FO. Just take each on its own merits.
AR is a stud and made wr and the team much better. period. That doesn't mean he will still be that stud in 2, 3 ,4 or 5 years from now. Heck, he's not as good now as he was IMO.
Yah, he's a egocentric, shallow diva but he's still the best thing for the Packers in 2021 and 2022 (most likely).
I hope he is the QB in 2021 and even 2022 and then I hope they move on.
The side I root for is mine and I get the most out of being a Packer fan above anything else in terms of players, coaches, FO, etc... What is the best thing for the team is my only concern (less some drastic event (crimes, cheating, etc). This is merely a contract dispute that AR being what he is, a negotiator who was willing to be take to the media to give him a chance to win when he really has no leverage, sorry people this isn't the NBA.
4thand10
May 12, 2021 at 12:03 pm
“A big part of Love’s disappointing final season at Utah State was the lack of surrounding talent he enjoyed, but the Green Bay offense boasts weapons aplenty, and looks to be a complete unit.”
I would respectfully disagree. 1) other than Adams and even with the new addition of a slot...there are still question marks. 2) If Aaron Jones can play full time a full season, with 2 legit RBs and injury concerns there are still some question marks there. 3) can Tonyan have a repeat, is sternburger going to make the leap?
In my mind they need Rodgers more than ever. Preseason we will see exactly what we have in Love.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
May 12, 2021 at 12:30 pm
All making the case for a trip to training camp this summer to watch practice. To assess the young talent including Love!
Who wants to coordinate a large CCTV day, party to watch training camp,
greengold
May 12, 2021 at 06:12 pm
Oh, I’m in. We should do this. I go up to a number of practices per year. Kroll‘s...
fastmoving
May 12, 2021 at 01:07 pm
Life is never safe and there will be always question marks.....you should know that by know if you spend some time on this planet.
And a 38 year old QB has at least the same amount of doubts than anyone else......
And of course you will never see what we have in pre season.....its never that easy.
croatpackfan
May 13, 2021 at 02:29 am
Well, I admit that no matter how much I would watch TC I'll never be able to say who is better or worse or who is on the level to play NFL and vice versa. I really do not have that much knowledge to recognize what players are instructed to do/play at every snap, especially in TC to decide if any of them fulfilling what was requested from them.
I believe this is the job of coaching staff and personnel department. And I trust their estimation and knowledge...
I remember that fans where right about some players (they were busts) which were kept on the roster, but also I remember much more cases when fans demanded lot of players to be cut, but after FO showed some patience, those players started to show their excellence (the best examples are Aaron Rodgers & Davante Adams, but I'm sure we can find others, too). Only player I had positive opinion and that player was released - Mike Pennel. He lately played for KC and won the SB ring with them as starter. I believe that his development was little slower because he was UDFA from small school. And with this I'm not saying I judged correctly Mike Pennel's potential. This was just lucky coincidence.
I also agree with you, fastmoving that we, as fans, will not get the answers through preseason games, but I'm sure coaching staff will.
stockholder
May 12, 2021 at 01:16 pm
Good for Love. Bad for the Packers.
Packers0808
May 12, 2021 at 01:52 pm
Rodgers has 2 choices play or sit! Love has two choices which will be sitting either way if Rodgers is here or not! Loves other choice be traded!
CoachDino
May 12, 2021 at 02:47 pm
Having the tools in place, which the writer eloquently laid out, doesn't equate to being an all or nothing test for future viability, not even close. Just use history as your guide. This isn't a HOF vet like Tom Brady or Peyton Manning. This is more or less a rookie, now how many rookies have taken a team to the promised land in year 1? Of the top of my head - None.
Dan Marino in year 2, that after a year of being fully immersed, unfortunately COVID eliminated even a semi immersion for Love, yet he did gain real value sitting in and having the high end QB coaching so it's not like its nothing.
Heck, want to really debunk this articles theme, look no further than when AR took over for Brett favre.
The previous season record was 13-3 - AR first year 6-10. I would expect about the same and would be truly impressed with anything better. Heck AR had 3 full camps/preseasons and seasons to develop, result, they went 6-10 and look how he turned out.
CoachDino
May 12, 2021 at 02:50 pm
oops, patrick mahone won it in year 2 but not under the COVID umbrella and I believe he was starting by the end of year 1, jot sure. So yes, there is a possibility to do well if he is another PM, I sure hope so and will certainly be rooting for it. Still doesn't lend any merit to it being a test of his future viability.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
May 13, 2021 at 08:59 pm
Coach,
but there were comparisons of Love with Mahomes coming out in the 2020 draft. Does that make any difference? :)
4zone
May 12, 2021 at 03:53 pm
Not sure what ARs beef is but he has a serious contender to play for this year if he ever gets over it. As for JL, you drafted him to play football, not carry a clipboard. If he's the guy, go pedal to the metal and let the team around him do their thing.
[email protected]
May 12, 2021 at 05:11 pm
Who ever outside of Green bay, is just going have Arod. Greenbay with have a lot of cap space. And x number of first round picks.. Arod is not going to have anyone from last years packers, coming with him. If he thinks the packers were a pain in the butt.. Say the Broncos will probably not be contender in 2021.. How happy is he going to be during the next post season.. I for one am sick and tired of Arod's act.. He has been a great quarterback, but he has GB management trying to build a team that would work well with Arod. If he had NOT been so greedy, the packers probably would of had more cap space. To fit in players to work in regards to being Super bowl contenders.. I think Arod is going to be in a hof, but i doubt if he will have another Super bowl belt. He will not have the kind of protection he had during the last two 13-3 seasons.. Nor is he going to have Jones or Adams or Batkari... So if he gets banged up to the point that he has to retire.. I say tuff shit...
croatpackfan
May 13, 2021 at 02:35 am
I down vote you, because even me, I am not able to understand your English with limited knowledge of it.
Leatherhead
May 12, 2021 at 05:27 pm
Packers just signed Blake Bortles. I would read this as he’ll back up Love. That’s the only thing that makes sense to me. I’m sure some people will construct a different scenario that has him backing up Rodgers and Love getting traded, but that’s not nearly as likely IMO.
greengold
May 12, 2021 at 06:37 pm
Yeah, Leatherhead... wait for it...
I find a couple of things interesting about this.
1. Are the Raiders involved now? The front runner for an AR trade according to Las Vegas oddsmakers is DEN, who has 3 QBs on their roster. Assuming one would make their way to GB (Bridgewater?) in a deal with DEN made sense. With GB signing Bortles, could that point to one or more suitors involved in trade talks with GB?
2. Saw the NYG rumored to be interested in AR today, which I found surprising.
3. DEN and LV could wind up in a bidding war for AR, knowing the team who does not get him will likely fail to make the playoffs in their division with KC being as dominant as they are.
4. If Rodgers was in the Packers plans at all, why would they sign Bortles, and not a lesser #3 camp arm?
Leatherhead
May 12, 2021 at 06:51 pm
#4 is the key question. I think it clearly signals that they’re making plans to play this season without Rodgers.
There certainly could be a bidding war.
Bortles has started 73 games in the NFL. His completion% isn’t very good, and he throws too many picks, but in the biggest game of his life, the 2017 AFC Championship at New England, he played pretty well. IMO, he’s a better choice than Bilgewater.
beerandbrats
May 12, 2021 at 07:35 pm
Right on GG. Marcus Mariota should be in any trade discussions! Change of scenery and a starting job might work for Mariota like it did for Tannehill.
Bottom line for me, Bridgewater or Mariota keeps the Pack competitive for a year and buys one more year to get JL NFL ready.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
May 13, 2021 at 09:03 pm
the more the merrier and the better the competition the better the trade value.
if Rodger's does end up getting traded I sure wish after the Packers (hopefully) fleece the other team that Rodger's ends up with a team he isn't too keen on, and which has several years before they can regain their talent following the fleecing. :)
Hey Rodger's many can play the grudge game much like you do so well!
Thegreatreynoldo
May 13, 2021 at 06:08 am
Bortles doesn't move the needle. He will back up someone (assuming he makes the team) and probably only gets a qualified contract.
Leatherhead
May 13, 2021 at 08:04 am
Who is he backing up, TGR? Rodgers? Then what happened to Love? Did he die? Or his he the starter that Bortles is backing up?
This is an incredibly strong sign that Rodgers won’t be here much longer.
jont
May 12, 2021 at 07:29 pm
This piece puts a brave face on a tough situation. Yes, the pack has a good line up, but it's not great and certainly not enough to go anywhere in the playoffs with a QB who hasn't been in a game at any level since Dec 2019. When Love comes in, this year or next, it's going to be rough-- maybe not ugly, but the playoffs will be unlikely. Love's 2nd year? Nobody knows.
croatpackfan
May 13, 2021 at 02:39 am
Under the other article I wrote this:
This might be move (Signing Blake Bortles) with 3 different reasons:
1. They are find trade partner for Aaron Rodgers and his era with Packers is over;
2. They are find trade partner for Jordan Love and this trade was the part of the deal with Aaron Rodgers;
3. Aaron Rodgers stay with Packers, but refuse to play and claim he will sit out.
Those 3 options are most likely, with 1st at the most probable and 3rd not likely.
There is 4th option that Jordan Love is so bad that Packers needed back up QB for Aaron Rodgers, which is the least likely.
Irish_Cheesehead
May 13, 2021 at 07:40 am
The upside to this whole situation is that Love will get a ton of reps in practice and in preseason games. I certainly hope to see things patched up and Rodgers back on the field, but he doesn’t need the preseason reps. Let him sit out for a while. Love needs the experience. The media wants to hate, but it would be interesting to see the reactions if he starts looking pretty good. I’m pulling for the kid.
NJMagic
May 14, 2021 at 09:42 pm
Column on a Packers site made a great point I hadn't considered. How does coach run this offseason?
Does he install it for Love, adapt to his strengths? Scale it back to make it simpler to execute?
Or keep it as designed for Aaron (setting Love up to likely falter and fail)?
Just another way Aaron is really screwing up our off-season, and potentially his season.
I know my impression of what MLF should do, curious as to what the community thinks?