Packers, 2 Games Out of the #1 Pick, Should See if Love Can Play
Put Rodgers on IR and Find Out
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Chris Hollenback worked for the Packers in 1998-1999, he has written for Packers.com and other media outlets, he's much shorter than Derrick Mayes and Brett Favre nicknamed him Chris "To-hell-en-back." Follow him on twitter at @CHollenback
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Comments (74)
stockholder
October 25, 2022 at 06:17 pm
The smart move is to trade Love. Why do you want to see what he can do, when it's obvious he isn't Rodgers.
My first argument is just stop the comparison. The argument is full of Malice. And with so much season left, you're No Packers fan.
God save Rodgers, should be the battle cry. I suggest positive thinking first. Especially since there are so many others involved.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
October 25, 2022 at 06:28 pm
The Rodgers era is done. Finished. Over. The only move is to see what they have with Love. God save Rodgers? Hes a football player, not a king. And this is America. We dont kneel here. Seriously dude take back your masculinity.
Coldworld
October 26, 2022 at 11:21 am
The Rodgers era is ending, for a plethora of reasons, not least being the fact that there was no justification that stands up for Rodgers with this roster and cap. This is a partnership of the undead.
mjbrogno
October 25, 2022 at 06:29 pm
Absolutely agree stockholder what a bunch of BS, ten games left and we’re not going to throw the season away. We just want to fight and get into the playoffs. I guess they should just forfeit the Buffalo game
Bure9620
October 25, 2022 at 09:09 pm
Why would playing a first round pick in year 3 be forfeiting? You are certain he is worse than what Rodgers has put on film??
OrganLeroy
October 25, 2022 at 06:38 pm
Get a clue please, Love has shown nothing to warrant someone trading for him and it's still too early to give up. Right now the fan comments are more inept than the teams play.
jannesbjornson
October 25, 2022 at 06:51 pm
He should be on the block along with Amari. Reviewed the game vs Washington, twice; Rodgers is not the problem.
Get to work Gutedkunst. Fix your holes.
Coldworld
October 26, 2022 at 11:23 am
Execution seems a little harsh for Love. Amari isn’t getting a bid in the market and Love won’t get one that matches his upside and we won’t get a better back up as cheap.
Coldworld
October 25, 2022 at 08:15 pm
It wasn’t obvious that Rodgers could really for another year. He was just decent in his first year as a starter as well. That’s not a prediction for Love, but I fail to see what we have to lose by at some point starting Love with a game plan designed for him.
What are you afraid of? If he’s bad then we move in and if he’s good we win. It’s not time yet, but it’s coming.
Bure9620
October 25, 2022 at 09:09 pm
Totally agree
stockholder
October 25, 2022 at 09:26 pm
If he's bad you won't get anything in return. Leave the development to another team. The Packers made the commitment to Rodgers. The only way to straighten the team ,franchise, and coaching staff out. Is put Love behind them. They put him on display in pre-season.
Get this through your heads. He's not Rodgers. He could bring a Wr,TE, or RT here. And thats better value than a guy sitting the BENCH!
croatpackfan
October 25, 2022 at 11:42 pm
"He's not Rodgers."
That was only truthful statement regarding Jordan Love. All other things you said are ... I do not want to offend you. Let say your other statements have little sense. That is all.
VacavilleBill
October 25, 2022 at 09:30 pm
Nowhere do I see anyone saying Love is Rodgers.
Love may be a bust or he may be a serviceable qb or he may be a star in the leage. It’s now the best time to find out.
Rodgers is a cancer.
stockholder
October 25, 2022 at 10:09 pm
How many Times did TT draft QBs? Even w/Rodgers? With all the QBs taken since Starr. You'd rather put this franchise down that crap hole again? No Thank You. Wolf stated he built his teams with Tackles. OF The games played so far. No tackle combination has started twice.
BuckyBadger
October 26, 2022 at 10:15 am
Don't be afraid to turn the page. It will happen anyways. They should have moved Rodgers two years ago. This team isn't going anywhere now or the next couple of years. To many big contracts given out that aren't performing.
Coldworld
October 26, 2022 at 11:37 am
TT didn’t draft QBs expected to be starters really after Brohm, and Brohm was to hedge against Rodgers being what you think Love is in his 3rd year (2008). I was already a Rodgers proponent and hated that pick big time. What a waste!
Yet it is interesting that the Brohm pick seemed to drive Rodgers to take a leap and so did the Love pick years later. It could be coincidence but it might not be.
The humorous bit is that Flynn was the real pick that year not Brohm who was a huge whiff. Yet even in that there’s a lesson. Once picked, the critical thing is to watch potential and see who can contribute draft blind. We’ve not been good at that whereas TT was much better.
It’s not just willingness to cut picks, it’s willingness to let players show what they can do who aren’t high picks and accept that some high ones don’t have the upside you thought and replace them. That Gute could learn and so should LaFleur. I’m thinking Watson v Toure for this year and yes Amari. The odd thing with Gute is he will do that for others cast offs: Campbell, Lazard, Douglas.
Love needs to play with the starters and a game plan designed for them and he needs a few games and Oreo time if we are to learn anything. I will never understand how LaFleur can justify going into last season with no plan for if Rodgers was unavailable, but he did. In a Covid year now less. This is the kind of incompetence that is destructive of Rodgers now and probably of Love’s chances of development.
Barnacle
October 26, 2022 at 05:58 am
I am a Packer Fan and I believe Rodgers is “cancer”. Whoever gave control of our future to AR should be replaced. That was a world class blunder.
Give Love a chance and see if he has potential.
wildbill
October 25, 2022 at 06:19 pm
Get back on your meds Chris and back away from the keyboard.
croatpackfan
October 25, 2022 at 11:44 pm
That must be advice from your own experience? And you should listen your advice. Take prescribed therapy.
brenner
October 25, 2022 at 06:23 pm
So with 10 games left they should just roll over and die, meanwhile spitting in the face of all the REAL packer fans, not to mention everyone that put on that uniform before them?? We are NOT the Indianapolis Colts!!
tincada
October 27, 2022 at 12:27 pm
How right you are! The Colts have a better record. Indianapolis Colts 3 3 1
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
October 25, 2022 at 06:31 pm
Agree 100%. Love is the only hope this team has for a future right now. Time to find out if he will sink or swim.
TarynsEyes
October 25, 2022 at 06:33 pm
Before one can be serious about benching Rodgers, let's see how this team looks after the next 5 games. Rodgers is still the best chance to get this team through the tough 5 weeks starting Sunday. 1-4 gives much more credibility to bench Rodgers, while 2-3 keeps Love on the bench and if another Rodgers 2 game losing streak, make the move, season is done.
stockholder
October 25, 2022 at 06:45 pm
I would move on from LeFluer first. He was hired because of his offensive genius. The OL is the key to any success!
Oppy
October 25, 2022 at 06:57 pm
You and EDP should print up t-shirts with the tagline "The offense- it's everyone's fault but Rodgers!" printed across the chest.
Coldworld
October 25, 2022 at 08:17 pm
Yes. They should have on Sunday night. Rodgers comments today are just the start of increasing acrimony in the locker room. Stop the rot now.
Fubared
October 25, 2022 at 07:31 pm
The brass will rely on Rodgers to trash the players and not them. As long as this doesn't bite the brass in thee ass, Rodgers plays.
Fubared
October 25, 2022 at 07:31 pm
The brass will rely on Rodgers to trash the players and not them. As long as this doesn't bite the brass in thee ass, Rodgers plays.
splitpea1
October 25, 2022 at 06:41 pm
Draw a little mustache and beard on the dog and there you have MLF cheerfully slurping down his coffee....
I know of only one team who lost four in a row and still won the Super Bowl. If the Packers lose to both the Bills and Lions or struggles to move the team either time for long stretches, then it might not be a bad idea to insert Love to see if he can at least bring a spark to the offense--and it might wake up the entire team. It's nothing punitive directed towards Rodgers, but if the offense can't get untracked, you seek alternate solutions. Let the thumb heal on the sidelines or take it back to the locker room and put a big bandage on it and everybody saves face.
No matter what though, the Packers simply have to use their running game more and at least even out the TOP if the offense is to be effective.
pantz_bURp
October 25, 2022 at 07:03 pm
I hope they show heart and effort win or lose against the Bills.
I can't take hearing Dandy Don singing, " Turn out the lights, the parties over...they say that all good things must come to an end, let's call it a night.....," and then Dandy D pukes on Howard's shoes...
Fubared
October 25, 2022 at 07:23 pm
That makes sense thus they won't do it. Packs don't want a high draft pick, can't afford it. they would trade it away, no money in cookie jar Rodgers bak and jarred got it all.
MainePackFan
October 25, 2022 at 07:23 pm
Blow it up after 7 games. Brilliant strategy. Chris, I suggest you don't apply for the GM position :)
Coldworld
October 25, 2022 at 08:20 pm
Give LaFleur a couple more, he will get us there.
tincada
October 27, 2022 at 12:31 pm
And Chris couldn't do any worse?
FAN24583
October 25, 2022 at 07:56 pm
Lets get a #1 and #2 Wr and see what happens. BG your on the clock make it happen or resign! Lazard is not a 1 on any other team in the NFL. Hes a 3 at best
coolhand
October 26, 2022 at 07:37 am
If Gute knew Adams wasn't going to resign, he should have been looking for a top line receiver in free agency, NOT Watkins.
Guam
October 26, 2022 at 08:15 am
And pay him with what? With Rodgers contract, Watkins or someone similar was all the Packers could afford. A "top line receiver" was never possible.
fordguy
October 26, 2022 at 02:41 pm
If they were going to pay Adams to stay, which they tried too, The money was coming from somewhere. If they were going to pay Adams they could've paid someone else.
FAN24583
October 27, 2022 at 02:07 pm
Loves salary, Lowry’s salary, the remaining 7 M in cap space? There is more dead wood on the tree like Crosby 4 M…. Just for starters. Going into the season with this WR corps in gross negligence
Coldworld
October 26, 2022 at 11:41 am
We signed a massive extension with Rodgers. That killed that.
MooPack
October 25, 2022 at 07:57 pm
I do think the Packers need to find out better what they have in Love. However, this game is not it. Something to be said for Trial by Fire, but this would be a 4 alarm fire. They're going to get torched. Won't be much to learn for Love and could create a lot less confidence in himself. Better to bring him along a bit slower in an easier game like next week against the Lions. Rodgers hand is hurt AND was not throwing accurately before then. Drops aside, no one can honestly say Rodgers isn't part and parcel to the problem. Will they bench him? No. They are scared to death to make that decision. This team is scared. That's a bigger problem. It starts from the top.
FAN24583
October 25, 2022 at 07:59 pm
Meanwhile the packers leadership is considering someone other than Amari R to handle punt returns. Wow! Really??? What took you so ling?? Why is he still on this team??? Should have been cut already
canadapacker
October 25, 2022 at 09:30 pm
Yes - he should not be catching punts - but actually he was the only receiver that got some YAC and caught 2 out of 3 targets.
Packers1985
October 25, 2022 at 10:42 pm
yes he shouldn't be catching punts and agreed till we get cobb back it's better to stick with Amari rodgers and see what he can do in slot.
canadapacker
October 25, 2022 at 09:11 pm
I just love to listen to the spoiled brat diatribe coming out of the mouths of supposed Packer fans. Fire Lf fire Gute trade AR - cut AR - but I guess people are invested in the team. 13 - 3 13-3 - 13-4 and of course that is old news and doesnt count. And just look at what is going on this year -= Tampa just lost to Carolina - with Brady - Indie just benched the Ryan - Talk about paid QB Wilson 5 losses Brady 4 losses Stafford 3 losses Carr 4 losses and Ravens Lamarr wants to break the bank and he has 3 losses. Fire everybody the season is over.
I will say this - first the season isnt over - it is 17 games long. Secondly we probably wont make the playoffs and AR will probably retire and Love will probably play at some point in time and will flop. The NFL is changing and now I dont believe that running QB;s such as Tua or Fields or Kyler or even Lamarr is the new style QB - they will eventually get crushed and be out. Now Mahommes is a different animal - like Fran Tarkenton was. And Josh Allen probably is the type to be looking for. That is why I dont think that Love is the guy. We will be looking long and hard for a replacement and it might take several years and if Lafleur cannot get this poorer roster activated with AR ( who still has it - arm strength, pocket presence and some escapability) what will he do with a less than competent guy behind the center? He will maybe be a coach who has overachieved because he was in the right place at the right time. Final note MM was supposedly the Quarterback guru initially as he transitioned from Favre to AR. And eventually as we saw - it was not his QB school or anything else - it was AR and the facts speak for themselves NOBODY from those years made an impact in the NFL - Unlike Holmgren that had at least 3 or 4 who played under 4 and went on to other teams - Brunell Hasselback Brooks all started for other teams
Untylu1968
October 25, 2022 at 09:35 pm
He's getting fucking old, and there's nothing anyone can do about it! Sure he still has flashes, but they're becoming fewer and farther between. When the final chapter has been written, it'll be determined that we held on to a fading star,a year to long.
canadapacker
October 26, 2022 at 09:22 am
I agree - maybe but just unlike Brady - we didnt put anybody around him - in this his final year. And one could say the same thing about Favre and his final year in Minnie - he kept getting crushed in the backfield. So what we have this year and Oline that cant open holes and cant stop the rush and we have a bunch of fast rookie wide receivers that cant get open or who run the wrong routes and a bunch of old vet wide receivers who cant get separation and drop the ball. But did we/they know that when the season began - probably Lafleur did and didnt adjust and maybe it is because they dont play preseason games - who knows. But everybody would be screaming at Gute had he told AR to walk and the Love is the guy.
Oppy
October 25, 2022 at 11:57 pm
Where do people get the idea that Love is a "running QB"?
I have my suspicions.
Oppy
October 26, 2022 at 12:09 am
Just to be clear.. people need to ask themselves if they consider Aaron Rodgers a "running QB".
Once you answer that question in your head, go and check Rodgers' sophmore and Junior year stats.
Now, go check Jordan Love's sophomore and junior year stats.
Spoiler alert, Jordan Love ran with the ball less than Rodgers and has very similar YPC.
PatrickGB
October 26, 2022 at 09:38 am
Good grief, Canadapacker you are spot on. So many other posters have lost it.
EnemyTerritory
October 25, 2022 at 09:53 pm
You’re goddamn right it does,” Rodgers, 38, said when asked if the Packers can turn things around, per ESPN‘s Rob Demovksy. “I’m not worried about this squad. In fact, this might be the best thing for us. This week, nobody’s going to give us a chance, going to Buffalo on Sunday Night Football, with a chance to get exposed. Shoot, this might be the best thing for us.”
When he says exposed does he mean as a fraudulent team? The SB era is over. Trade deadline coming up. Time to sell and begin the rebuild. This organization does not have this alarm cap or the draft and trade capital to bring in a needed WR1&2 or TE1. Sell now, sacrifice a season and minimize the pain. The long hard rebuild is coming. All the good folks ripping fans for not blindly hoping for a miracle will be the first imho to write in three years that the team stuck with a failed plan for too long.
Diogenes
October 25, 2022 at 10:18 pm
Anyone who has worked in a business for long, has experienced a tough situation. The solution is to grind! Keep working at it and grinding until all issues are resolved. That was the Lombardi way in the sixties when the going got tough. The coaches and players need to keep grinding and improving their game. I suggest moving Aaron Jones to WR and bringing up another RB from the practice squad. Each coach and player must keep working to improve. There is still time to turn the fortunes of this team.
kozmo
October 25, 2022 at 10:30 pm
Holy Cow.....pull it together. Rodgers is not the problem AND you can't trade him. His contract is 50 million dollars. NO one is going to go for that right now.
And Rodgers didn't drop 7 balls..... Rodgers didn't fumble a punt......Rodgers didn't hold....all of these mistakes and more was not Rodgers.
croatpackfan
October 25, 2022 at 11:55 pm
Holly Cow...ACR is one of the biggest problem. Elephant in the glass room. He cares only of himself.
canadapacker
October 26, 2022 at 01:26 pm
So that matters - he still dropped the passes and mufffed the punt and was caught on a dumb unneeded holding penalty - Just because you hate the guy now doesnt mean anything other than you cheer for the team and him to fail - some fan NOT
Roadrunner23
October 25, 2022 at 10:42 pm
Interesting perspective, it’s too “out of the box” for MLF and the conservative front office though.
But actually makes sense in an odd way.🤔
croatpackfan
October 25, 2022 at 11:57 pm
Chris, thanks for brave article!
Lphill
October 26, 2022 at 05:36 am
Packers will beat the Bills .
Untylu1968
October 26, 2022 at 07:09 am
You want to make a bet on that one?
egbertsouse
October 26, 2022 at 07:45 am
They can’t put Diva on IR. Didn’t you see McTankTop’s show ? Diva said the last game was his highest rated game according to Tom Clements. There you have it, folks. A coach more incompetent than Joe Barry.
egbertsouse
October 26, 2022 at 07:48 am
Seriously, the best thing LaFlower could do is bench Diva. It would establish his authority and demonstrate that no one is above the team. What’s the difference if they lose 42-17 or 42-3?
tobinrote
October 26, 2022 at 08:17 am
don't excuse Rodgers with his sore thumb as if the thumb was missing the same easy short throws in the first five games. he just can no longer make even the simple throws, except for an occasional nice one, as the one to jones for the TD, the only guy on the team that would have made the catch.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
October 26, 2022 at 08:22 am
I have many neighbors & friends who are Packer fans with serious bromances with AR. Major AR apologists where he can do no wrong, and sadly I have watched & observed so many here at CHTV who feel the same way. When game after game the offense & Rodgers consistently fail the definition of stupidity is to continue doing the same thing over and over expecting different results.
Yes, Rodgers was an excellent QB and then for 2 years he wasn't until Gutey made a great ballsy draft move and selected Jordan Love. The result? Rodgers had two of his best seasons ever due to being motivated & winning two MVP's by the Love draft selection. The organization failed miserably this past off-season by not trading AR for a slew of draft choices and players. Rodgers was at end of his career being great, Jordan Love only 22 years old, and the Packer team already infused with a lot of young talent. It was the perfect time to unload Rodgers freeing up cap space, getting rid of a prima donna, and adding a tidal wave of talented new players. This ill fated decision to keep AR will be looked at eventually as bad as the John Hadl trade. Massive screw up by the front office. Some day it will be fascinating to learn the true thought process and decision maker to keep AR and nix the future of the Packers. Every defense know AR cant/won't run anymore like he used to, so they blitz. AR used to use his legs and make teams pay. That no longer happens & instead he is pressured and sacked with the OL being blamed. Jordan Love needs to start and being given multiple opportunities to succeed. Let's see what he can do. No, Jordan Love is not a running QB, but he will run under pressure when the pocket breaks down...just like AR used to. It became readily apparent last year AR no longer could hit on deep balls to MVS, and again this year. AR struggles in being accurate even on many easy short throws. AR is still a very heady & knowledgeable QB and will have his moments just not consistently. Chris is spot on for the Packers to sit Rodgers for a few games and let Love show us what he has. He is only 22 years old and will make some mistakes but his energy and raw talent will infuse life into the offense. He is going to steadily improve for years yet being only 22, but only way for him to improve is game time experience. Sadly, it no longer surprises me that so many AR apologists are 'so damn afraid' to find out if Love may out perform AR. He has been their hero for many years. It is time to let go and explore every opportunity and the thumb as the writer suggests allows the team to gracefully sit. I believe AR deserves to sit for a few games based on performance, but also use the thumb injury as the excuse.
PatrickGB
October 26, 2022 at 09:44 am
Actually the definition of stupidity is :
noun: stupidity; plural noun: stupidities
behavior that shows a lack of good sense or judgment.
I have been reading some comments that fit that.
SunShine
October 26, 2022 at 04:40 pm
They lose every game they rush 20 or less times yet they keep doing it. Stupid is having Lafleur as a coach and thinking he is good
701Packer
October 26, 2022 at 10:50 am
My play Love over Rodgers thought is that its what they should have done in the offseason. I understand that the season isn't technically over yet, but right now they aren't winning the games they should win, so what makes anyone think they are going to win the majority of the upcoming games which are tougher teams. It's totally possible that they turn it around and still make the playoffs. Everyone has to immediately play better, but it starts with Rodgers.
ricky
October 26, 2022 at 12:00 pm
This is an interesting idea. The real question is, will LaFleur try to fit Love (the round peg) into the same sort of offense as Rodgers (the square peg)? Love seems like he could add a new dimension to the offense with designed run plays. Look at what happened when the Bears suddenly decided to design plays tailored to Fields' strengths, rather than try to force him into being a pocket passer. If LaFleur can be creative and adjust the offense to Love's strengths, it could make a difference. Whether he will is another question. And his recent history says he won't.
canadapacker
October 26, 2022 at 01:37 pm
Fields is going to be carried off of the field - he already got punched in the gut by Washington and was lucky to survive that game - against certain teams that works - and probably us too but against those heavy body tough teams eventually it will come to pass - just like Tua and Kyler and even last year Lamar got banged up.
Love is not a Fields not even close - he is an escaper who can get yards - like 12 used to. This team is not built and will not be built to fit that until the cap issues are settled and that the big money guys are gone - and that means Clark Bak Jones Lowery Amos and AR - And the team is rebuilt with young hungry guys.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
October 27, 2022 at 09:22 am
CP,
And that could have happened last offseason with trade to Denver.
SunShine
October 26, 2022 at 04:47 pm
Remember when the packers were 10-6 sneaking into the playoffs to win the super bowl. Yeah let's just give up because their only 2 games out of first place in the north
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
October 27, 2022 at 09:23 am
They are not 2 games out of first place. They lost to the Vikings
Rebecca
October 27, 2022 at 08:13 am
You’re basically saying that JorDan LoVe needs more practice with the starters. That’s big stakes roulette. Besides, this organization is all in on Rodgers. Not. Gonna. Happen.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
October 27, 2022 at 09:28 am
Rebecca most likely you are correct. They need to eventually get Love game experience but the fan base would be incredibly pissed if Rodgers got benched. Outside of injury how far into the season before Love gets the nod? He needs more than one game to show what he has. Basically, the question is if AR stays healthy & the Packers are obviously out of playoff contention how long do they keep riding Rodgers unnecessarily to the detriment of developing Love?
tymann7
October 28, 2022 at 05:01 am
Isn't it ironic.... all these helmets telling us which choice is best....CHOOSE LOVE
nobody else see this????