Should Jordan Love See the Field Before the End of This Season?

 

The Green Bay Packers traded up to draft quarterback Jordan Love in the first round of this year’s draft. The choice was controversial at the time and Aaron Rodgers has responded by having his best season since 2014 and is likely to be a finalist for league MVP.

When Love was drafted, scouts acknowledged he had the potential to become a franchise quarterback in the NFL but he would need some time to gain experience and prepare to play in the NFL. We knew he would not be fighting for the Packers starting quarterback position in 2020.

It should come as no surprise that Love has yet to take a snap this season. In fact, the former Utah State star has been inactive for the first 14 games of the campaign.

But now the Packers have locked up the NFC North title and have a chance to clinch the top spot in the NFC and the bye that goes with it if they beat the Titans and the Seahawks lose to the Rams on Sunday.

The question becomes, should the Packers activate Jordan Love for the season finale in Chicago and if so, should he take a few snaps to give him his first taste of NFL action? Obviously, this question is only relevant if the game against the Bears cannot affect the Packers playoff seeding or if the game is one-sided and the outcome is already decided.

Getting Love on the field would at least allow the rookie to get his feet wet in an actual NFL game. Because of the unusual circumstances surrounding this season due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Love has not taken the field at all this season. There were no preseason games in August or even joint practices with other NFL teams during training camp. Most of the work Love has received this season involves him running the scout team in practice.

Running the scout team is one thing but playing in an NFL game is something completely different. The speed of the game is much faster. And, like driving a car, you can read about it all you want and simulate it in a classroom, but you still need to get behind the wheel and actually drive to become a better driver.

The Packers have done a good job of keeping Love under the radar this season. He has not been made available to the media since training camp and the team has rarely discussed how he’s progressing in practice.

Quarterback coach Luke Getsy finally addressed Love earlier this month. “He’s done a really good job with the mental part of the game,” Getsy told reporters. “We spend time each and every day honing in on his fundamentals and things like that, trying to get them tighter. He takes a bunch of reps with the practice squad so we use those as live reps and try to relate the plays that other teams run to the plays that we run so that he’s getting somewhat close to a live bullet each and every day. So that part of it’s been really good. And then the one-on-one time we get on the practice field each and every day has been very beneficial.”

But then Getsy added, “Nothing compares to getting live reps, but as far as from where he was in training camp to where he is now, I think he’s much farther along and understands what we’re trying to accomplish in our offense.”

Wide receiver Allen Lazard also spoke briefly about Love’s development this season. “One thing that I’ve noticed about Jordan is him just developing every single day and getting more comfortable,” Lazard said. “Obviously with all the external things going on, this is a crazy year and everything, and I think he’s been able to handle everything very well. Especially with the virtual meetings, coming in right away and trying to learn a very intricate offense, especially with Aaron Rodgers kind of just leading the whole pack and having his whole playbook open and trying to pick up little notes here and there.”

So, if the opportunity arises, should the Packers give Love some snaps late in the Bears game? We aren’t talking about starting him, just having him maybe play at most the fourth quarter, maybe even just a series or two. The benefits seem to outweigh the potential pitfalls. If Love struggles in his limited reps, at least his first taste of game action will be out of the way. The outcome of the game wouldn’t mean much anyway. If he plays well, it gives him something to build on. If he struggles, at least he got his debut out of the way.

We know we will see Jordan Love on the field in a Packers uniform at some point. If the circumstances are right, it’s probably best to get it out of the way against the Bears this year.

 

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7 points
 

Comments (68)

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

December 24, 2020 at 12:11 pm

NO. It would have been best to get him in a game here and there during the season when the win was in-hand. Putting him in now could be like a wrench in the fluidity of the offense that has been consistent with a hiccup a couple of times. If he were a better option going into the playoffs than Boyle, that would have been witnessed by now with him being activated at least a few weeks ago. Whatever his growth is, it certainly hasn't been enough to even question with emphasis, why he hasn't been, but more so an acceptance of him being kept where he is at, not active.

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GilMartin's picture

December 24, 2020 at 01:12 pm

I'm not talking about starting him, just letting him play a quarter at the end of what would be a meaningless or already decided game. I don't think that would disrupt much. Obviously, in a competitive game, Rodgers and then Boyle would be the top options. Thanks for commenting, Tarynfor12, always good to hear from you.

3 points
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TarynsEyes's picture

December 24, 2020 at 01:35 pm

I'm not talking starting him either. I don't believe he deserves to see the field at all. If he couldn't unseat Boyle for the two spot after being traded up to draft as a No.1 the whole season. Two questions.

1) Why hasn't he overtaken Boyle?

2) Is it to get tape for the possibility of trading him because Rodgers looks like another 3-4 year lock, which makes drafting Love a mistake.

There must be a reason Love hasn't moved up to being activated at all. Is he struggling that much to grow or is he simply not as good as wanting to believe?

Whatever, he deserves no field time because he apparently hasn't earned it.

0 points
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Grimm's picture

December 24, 2020 at 02:29 pm

From the little Iv heard Tim Boyle has been showing a lot in practice, He may be another Mark Brunell or Matt Hassleback. I am with you on no reason to play Love this year. Next year they will be looking to move Boyle and go with Love. If Love isnt the answer, there is time to go back to well and try again. Finding a QB is a risky deal and they are set up to have options. Time will tell if Love was a mistake or not.

0 points
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PeteK's picture

December 24, 2020 at 06:57 pm

Brunell and hasselback made their name during preseason .

2 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

December 24, 2020 at 01:52 pm

Play him against the Bears if the Home Field is secured, give a half to Him and Boyle.

5 points
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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

December 24, 2020 at 06:19 pm

Look at Love's grip on ball in photo. What the hell? What type of mechanics is that?

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PeteK's picture

December 24, 2020 at 07:00 pm

I was thinking the same thing, looks like he's uncorking a crew ball. Freudian slip by Gil? LOL

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TheVOR's picture

December 25, 2020 at 08:55 am

Ya, totally with Taryn on this one. After watching film on this kid and then camp film, I knew it was a project. The Packers have drafted late round QB's with far more upside than this player has exhibited. I said early in camp that he may never dress for a game this season for 2 reasons, one was Boyles was lighting it up in camp, and 2 was Boyles knows the offense.

I absolutely hate the notion that GB wasted the pick, and now will feel compelled to force the guy out there, when there is no eventual upside to it. I wouldn't allow him near a game snap this season at all. Anything this guy gets he should be earning. The author of the article kind of answers their own question here. Go read it again, the dude isn't even close. Being improved from "Horrible" in camp doesn't mean game ready. Dude shouldn't see any game action this season, and Packers fans should be praying he doesn't.

I'm not a fan. Hated the pick, and I don't see "IT". He shows no hint of having any "IT" factor.

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HighPlainsDrifter's picture

December 26, 2020 at 02:50 am

Yeah, you are an expert in film evaluation. And where exactly did you get access to "camp film"?

By the way, the name is Tim Boyle, not "Boyles". Your opinion is inherently suspect when you do not even know the correct name of the back up QB you are touting.

0 points
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Coldworld's picture

December 24, 2020 at 12:12 pm

No, not until the No. 1 seed is secure which looks unlikely unless he’s now our number 2, which does not seem the case.

If anything therefore, I’d like to see Boyle get some proper action. That said, it does not seem likely unless we have a complete blowout in either game for the same reasons.

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GilMartin's picture

December 24, 2020 at 01:14 pm

If the Packers beat the Titans and the Seahawks lose on Sunday, the top seed would be clinched. I could see Rodgers playing a half and then Boyle and Love each getting a quarter if that scenario plays out. If the game has meaning or is close, I don't think they should put him out there. Thanks for the comment, Coldworld.

5 points
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Leatherhead's picture

December 24, 2020 at 12:31 pm

I’d like to see him take the last snap at the Super Bowl. Until then, let’s go with the really good guy we have right now. Next year is next year.

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GilMartin's picture

December 24, 2020 at 01:15 pm

That's fair. I'm only talking about giving him a few snaps if the Bears game is meaningless for the Pack or out of hand. As for the last snap of the Super Bowl, heck yeah! Thanks for the comment, Leatherhead.

2 points
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splitpea1's picture

December 24, 2020 at 12:45 pm

Whatever the coaches think is fine with me. The Dolphins, Eagles, and Chargers have thrown their draft picks out there, but then of course, they were a little needier than us. I doubt we'll see Love. Hopefully the Bears game will be meaningless and we'll get a chance to see Boyle and rest some starters.

4 points
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GilMartin's picture

December 24, 2020 at 01:17 pm

Agreed, splitpea1. If the Bears game in meaningless, I think we'd see Rodgers for a quarter or two, Boyle for a quarter or two and then maybe a quarter of Love to mop up. Thanks for the comment.

2 points
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Ryan3468's picture

December 24, 2020 at 12:50 pm

It’s still about earning your spot. Tim Lazer Show Boyle has that QB2 wrapped up. It’s possible Love gets to see the field, but unless the coaches are putting a QB2 on him Love is after Boyle gets some time. I feel the team should play to win. Of the #1 seed is in their grasp then go for it. If Rogers isn’t being protected and is getting pummeled in to the turf it’s time to think about being healthy for the playoffs. What is home field advantage during Covid? It’s imaginary. So play to win, and don’t push too hard since we are already in the play offs. Once the play offs start it’s time to unleash it all. The player to get full game time experience is AJ Dillon, and the younger players on defense. Especially MLB. Jordan Love’s year isn’t waisted. It is what it was going to be. It’s not cool these rookies missed the pre-season. Still, going out on the field now over Boyle seems desperate and odd. Our coaches will do what’s right. Feed AJ Dillon now.

6 points
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Razer's picture

December 24, 2020 at 12:58 pm

...The player to get full game time experience is AJ Dillon...

Yes, yes and yes. Other than his COVID bout, I don't see why AJ hasn't seen much action. Big power back that can grind out time killing yards has tight playoff game written all over him.

8 points
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GilMartin's picture

December 24, 2020 at 01:23 pm

I think the big things holding back Dillon from getting more playing time are pass protection and route running. Nobody doubts he can carry the rock. The Packers offense is based on running different plays out of identical formations but the coaching staff still isn't confident that Dillon can block well enough to protect Rodgers and that limits what the offense can do. Thanks for the comment, Razer.

3 points
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Leatherhead's picture

December 24, 2020 at 10:18 pm

He hasn’t seen much action because he’s been on the COVID list and the guys in front of him have played great.

Next year.

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GilMartin's picture

December 24, 2020 at 01:20 pm

I agree Boyle should also play and play ahead of Love assuming the Bears game is meaningless or one-sided. I think the bye and home field would be helpful, even with Covid although not as big a deal as it normally would be. I certainly prefer to have dome and warm weather teams come to Green Bay in January. As for Dillon, I'd love to see him get some more snaps, but I don't know if the coaching staff trusts him as a pass blocker and that's what's holding him back the most. Thanks for the comment, Ryan3468.

3 points
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Razer's picture

December 24, 2020 at 12:51 pm

The active roster needs to be populated with guys who are going to contribute to the playoff run. Putting anyone in for "experience" should be done during the school year when everyone is learning. But if you want to distract Aaron and piss off all those who asked for help on other fronts - then go ahead and give the guy some love.

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GilMartin's picture

December 24, 2020 at 01:21 pm

Thanks for the comment, Razer. I don't think sitting Rodgers for a quarter or two of a meaningless game would anger him or distract him. It's all hypothetical unless the Bears game is meaningless or one-sided.

2 points
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TarynsEyes's picture

December 24, 2020 at 12:58 pm

It's actually hilarious to know that so many believe it can't be true, if I say it, but trip over each other to acknowledge another with glee for same thought.

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PearlyBakerBest's picture

December 24, 2020 at 02:54 pm

What are you talking about? There isn’t a single comment here stating anything other than an opinion of the writer’s original thought. Perhaps you should realize when you offer up your sermons all the pews are empty. Get over yourself.

Maybe Love isn’t active because he had no otas, training camp, preseason, and probably gets limited reps in practice because he’s behind an all world qb and a backup, both of whom have a full year more in the offense, in the middle of a Super Bowl run. I could be wrong though.

7 points
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BoHunter's picture

December 24, 2020 at 01:27 pm

NO , Boyle needs to be rewarded for his hard work and dedication under 12. He has looked very good in last years preseason and this years camp. Love hasn’t shown anything and was thoroughly beaten out for #2 by Boyle in camp. Love could be Hundley or Kizer 2.0 for all we know. Let Boyle get some PT besides kneel downs in case 12 gets dinged and we need a real backup to come in and run the offense, he’s earned it. No leapfrogging by Love just because he’s BG’s man crush.

8 points
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Chippie4's picture

December 24, 2020 at 10:27 pm

I believe Boyle is merely a 'place setter' and is not expected to contribute more than being a body to plug in if Rodgers gets hurt.

Packers plans should be to get Love ready to become primary backup, possibly as soon as late next season. That is what you hope for in a first round draft pick.

In the meantime, break glass and insert Boyle if something happens to Aaron, but the minute that happens, all hope for the team is pretty much lost.

2 points
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TheVOR's picture

December 25, 2020 at 09:00 am

Absolutely correct. Boyles has earned it. I've seen high school QB's with more IT factor than Love showed in camp, his footwork is abysmal, and his accuracy and arm strength certainly in serious question.

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Lphill's picture

December 24, 2020 at 01:47 pm

Gil , if the Bears game is meaningless maybe a few snaps , I would like to wish everyone at Cheeseheadtv a wonderful Christmas and to all the fans here and around the world, go pack go !

2 points
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rodgersrules's picture

December 24, 2020 at 01:54 pm

Sure, of course he should. Anything that might help his trade value next off season so we can mitigate some of the damage done to the franchise last draft day.

-2 points
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mnbadger's picture

December 24, 2020 at 02:18 pm

Let's win Sunday night, hope the saints lose. Start Boyle vs cubs and give love the 4th quarter. AR doesn't dress. We can showcase both backups, to ourselves and to suitors. We don't even know what either of them are capable of at this point. Pack 41-34. GPG

3 points
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stockholder's picture

December 24, 2020 at 02:30 pm

A No from me. This guy costs us more then 1 and 4. How? He's on the bench. This Pick cost money! You could have filled the ILB and RT in the draft. And signed a upcoming FA. Love is a heart Breaker already. Somebody will have to pay for this pick! He's NO Favre! I sure could make him one, by trading him to the Falcons. Love Will never earn his pay check.

-8 points
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Grimm's picture

December 24, 2020 at 02:44 pm

How do you know how good or not good Jordan Love is? Are you a Scout or on the Packers coaching staff? Probably not and have no Idea how good he will be.

Each year about half a dozen QBs are drafted in the first two rounds. Out of those, only a couple turn out to be franchise QBs and even less HOF players.

Its easy money to predict that Love will be no good. Its like a 70% chance that he fails, just like most QBs that are drafted. The only thing you can do is sit back and see how it plays out. I for one am hoping he turns out to be a HOF QB, Bears fans heads will explode! ;)

7 points
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PeteK's picture

December 24, 2020 at 07:08 pm

Yes, and because he is being brought along slowly increases his chances of succeeding especially when learning from a HOF. Not having a preseason hampered that somewhat.

4 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

December 25, 2020 at 09:27 am

Some people on this board were whining about the Gary pick@ # 12, they wanted a trade back for Haskins--there you go. How many fans are actually sober when they watch college games? Love will be fine. He can hit the out routes and has feet to move the chains via scramble.

1 points
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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

December 25, 2020 at 12:51 pm

There were people who wanted to trade back to take Haskins?

0 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

December 26, 2020 at 10:46 am

Review the archives for the culprits....

0 points
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jhtobias's picture

December 24, 2020 at 07:29 pm

You must have a sad life to be so negative all the time ... You should find something better to do with your time this team is 11-3 can clinch a number one seed and you so angry .. SAD SAD.

0 points
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stockholder's picture

December 25, 2020 at 08:03 am

Negative? Just reading between the lines. Stirring the pot can be a good thing. Just Keeping it Real. I Love the 11-3. But lets not forget who is the QB. You never went through the bad years. Scott Hunter, Jerry Tagge , Rich Campbell, JOHN HADL. etc. Don't live in a bubble.

3 points
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Chippie4's picture

December 24, 2020 at 10:30 pm

There is NO WAY you know that. It is one person's unsubstantiated opinion.

1 points
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Chippie4's picture

December 24, 2020 at 10:30 pm

There is NO WAY you know that. It is one person's unsubstantiated opinion.

1 points
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PackfanNY's picture

December 24, 2020 at 02:32 pm

Why? Not unless the final game against the teddy bears is meaningless. Even then, I am not sure it makes much sense. I think the Packers owe Tim Boyle the start. It also serves a purpose. If the unthinkable happens to Rodgers (injury) in the playoffs, the next up is Boyle. Sure might be a good idea to get him some time on the field.

Remember, we didn’t have a pre season so Love is not really an option this year.

3 points
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fastmoving's picture

December 24, 2020 at 02:39 pm

The Love pick was just right. Even if you never know how it will turn out. And he already earned his paycheck.

But if the "we know everything crowd" is complaining about all the time, there is a good chance he will be great. The drama queens are always wrong.......(just like the weak orange wig dumbster fire con men).

Love is stronger than Hate

1 points
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Qoojo's picture

December 24, 2020 at 03:06 pm

My decision making has nothing to do with Love, and everything to do with Rodgers. It's a very short discussion on who plays if the game is meaningful. So if packers have the top seed locked up, how much do you play Rodgers, given the playoff bye weekend? If you sit Rodgers, then Love is the #2 QB, and Boyle gets to play. Otherwise, I expect Rodgers to not play the whole game, and Boyle is #2, but I would activate Love as #3 due to Rodgers sitting early.

Either way, I do not play Love unless it is due to injury. Packers have more to gain right now by getting Boyle more reps.

3 points
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Guam's picture

December 25, 2020 at 08:01 am

I certainly wouldn't play Love over Boyle. Boyle has clearly earned the #2 spot and deserves the start and the opportunity to lead the Packers to a win even in a meaningless game. If you are talking about snaps in the 4th quarter of game that is already in hand, fine. But give Boyle the opportunity to showcase his skills and continue his development - he has earned that right to be the #2 QB. Even if the Packers believe Love is the starter in the long run, you want to showcase Boyle to get trade value for him now. Love will get his playing time next year or the year after.

1 points
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wildbill's picture

December 24, 2020 at 03:52 pm

Why don’t we see if Love can tackle? Play him on ST. All joking aside we need Boyle to get as many snaps as possible in case the need for our backup to play in a playoff game becomes a reality. Those snaps would be too valuable to waste just to prove Love isn’t ready at this point in time

0 points
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Irish_Cheesehead's picture

December 24, 2020 at 04:01 pm

Nope. No snaps. I don’t see how that does any good. The regular season is not a time to experiment. That’s what preseason games are for. Unfortunately with covid there were no preseason games this year, but look on the bright side. Next August we can be excited to see two first round picks on the field for the Packers for the first time!

1 points
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PatrickGB's picture

December 24, 2020 at 04:19 pm

No. Love would take up a valuable spot when rosters are limited on game day. Besides he would take up a valuable spot for a special teams player ~

0 points
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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

December 24, 2020 at 06:08 pm

AJ Dillon should have been averaging say 3-4 carry's per game all season. Pack has put Jones at unnecessary risk. Dillon should be getting just as many carries as Jones against TN. Jones should sit whole game against Bears. We need to develop confidence in Dillon that he can pass pro, and hold on to the ball.

Rodgers going to play a lot next two games, partially because MVP award up in air. Sad, but true!

In reality, I'd love to see Love get a series or quarter under his belt should Pack secure #1 seed. However, Boyle needs all the live reps he can. Sit Rodgers immediately as soon as the Pack wraps up 1st seed no matter how much he might bitch and complain. We all remember the last few games (3-4) of 2018 season and Packers out of post season play and MM would not bench Rodgers and give Boyle game experience. What happens? Rodgers gets unnecessary concussion against Lions late in season. All for what?

Stats is what!!!

0 points
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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

December 24, 2020 at 06:19 pm

Also, I do not try pretending I am an NFL QB whisperer or anything, but what about the lead photo in this article. What type of grip does Love have on the ball for crying out loud?

What the hell? QB coach says they are working on his mechanics everyday tightening things up. His grip looks awful and unnecessary. Thoughts?

-1 points
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PackerBacker77's picture

December 24, 2020 at 06:25 pm

Grip looks fine. Not sure what you are talking about

3 points
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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

December 24, 2020 at 06:52 pm

Really?

Poor mechanics and unnecessary movement IMO.

Pretend catching ball from center. Tell me this is the quickest and most efficient movement to pass the ball? Not even close!

Again...do not claim to be a QB expert but was a good athlete a few centuries ago.

Ball held too low!

Poor grip and easily knocked out.

And takes longer to put ball back in that position behind him.

-2 points
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Hematite's picture

December 25, 2020 at 12:22 pm

Wasn't there a knock on Rodgers that he held the ball too low when he came out of college?
I don't know, I may be thinking of somebody else.

1 points
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PearlyBakerBest's picture

December 24, 2020 at 07:54 pm

What is wrong with his grip? Nearly every half of famer has a similar grip. Not to mention he throws lasers that way.

3 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

December 25, 2020 at 09:35 am

Looks like Mahomes grip....

0 points
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Stroh's picture

December 24, 2020 at 06:36 pm

Getting "your feet wet" by playing meaningless snaps in a game that's already decided do not constitute him improving in any way. It would be better to play Boyle in hopes of improving the possibility of better compensation when he moves on IMO.

2 points
4
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cpabandit's picture

December 24, 2020 at 06:43 pm

There is no reason for Love to be out there and risk injury to players. He does not have the experience passing the ball in a high speed game. I've seen QBs lead their receivers into dangerous passes resulting in a major collision with the defense injuring the receiver and perhaps knocking him out of the next game up. Love can take snaps and hand off but no passing.

-2 points
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Since'61's picture

December 24, 2020 at 07:21 pm

If the Packers have the #1 seed locked and the Bears game is out hand then I would give Love a series in the 4th quarter. It probably won’t do anything to improve except for him to see and feel the difference in the speed of a live NFL game versus running the practice squad.

Also the coaches get to see his footwork releasing from the snap and handing off. Small issues but important ones. A few snaps late in a meaningless game can’t hurt anyone.
By that point I would imagine that Boyle has played at least 2 quarters and maybe more.

Obviously if we need the game Rodgers starts and plays. If we don’t need the game maybe start Rodgers for a series or two and then give way to Boyle. If the game is tight leave Boyle in. If the game becomes a rout give Love a series, or not. Thanks, Since ‘61

4 points
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JohnnyLogan's picture

December 24, 2020 at 08:51 pm

There is zero chance Love plays regardless of the situation. The better question that people are responding to is whether we should have drafted him considering how well the team has done and wouldn't a #1 and a #4 draft pick have made an already good team much better? I understood the pick and still think it was okay. This Packer team is loaded with stars at the moment. It will be in the SB hunt for the next two or three years for sure so we'll draft at the bottom as we usually do. Little chance of getting a top-rated QB down there, unless we do as Gute did, and take a guy, not quite ready, but with tremendous tools and give him time to develop. Rodgers sat for 3 years and even though Love wasn't rated as highly, the principal is still there, let him sit and learn. I'm sure that's what Gute was thinking, that Love sits for 3 years and then takes over. I liked the pick then, I like it now.

4 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

December 25, 2020 at 10:45 am

The other side of the story is Rodgers was healthy all year. When he was injured in '17 -18 the backup QB was incompetent and games lost. The Covid-19 issue also enhanced his value by adding QB depth with a guy rated to go 26-30 in the draft.

1 points
1
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dpwiener's picture

December 24, 2020 at 10:27 pm

Frankly I don't care that Love was a Round 1 draft pick. That's what's known in economics as a "sunk cost", and you don't make decisions about the future on that basis. Maybe Love will be good (or even great) at some time down the road, but that is still to be determined. Meantime you play your best players. Tim Boyle is obviously ahead of Love at this point, which is why Boyle is the backup and Love is inactive every game. There are other positions which are in greater need of backup players to be on the game-day active squad.

Next year this epidemic will hopefully be over and we can have preseason games again. That's when Boyle and Love can show their stuff. If Boyle keeps beating out Love, that's fine with me; we want to have the best QB backup possible. I would expect us to retain both on the 53-man squad, because neither would survive waivers (Taysom Hill taught us that) and the QB position is too important to skimp on. If Aaron gets injured, you immediately need a backup to the backup who already knows the system.

My hope is that Aaron continues to be our quarterback, playing at an elite level, for many years to come. Would that mean that the selection of Love was a mistake? No, it would mean that drafting Love was a prudent risk management decision, since potential franchise quarterbacks are so hard to find when you don't have early draft picks (and even when you do). Nobody wants the Packers to face problems like the Patriots or the Bears are dealing with.

2 points
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PackerBacker77's picture

December 25, 2020 at 04:15 am

Boyle is done after this year. There only keeping 2 QBs when things get back to normal and Boyle will not be one of them

0 points
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Leatherhead's picture

December 24, 2020 at 10:44 pm

At this point in the season, you’re either trying to prepare for next year or you are playing for the trophy. One or the other.

-2 points
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Rhiller's picture

December 25, 2020 at 09:33 am

No. If this year's number 1 and number 4 picks were players that could help the team win a Super Bowl now then yes, they should be playing. But not a QB when we have Rodgers. The only reason to play Love would be to showcase him for a trade but I'm afraid that would only further reduce his value.

1 points
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PackerBacker77's picture

December 25, 2020 at 11:52 am

Lol, Reduce his trade value? The packers are not going to trade Love next year. Love is going to play in the upcoming preseasons and if Rodgers happens to get hurt he will play. That is what will determine he’s trade value.

2 points
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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

December 25, 2020 at 01:10 pm

If the #1 seed is secured, then there is no upside to playing AR, but there is a potential downside.

Playing Love in such a case has no particular downsides, other than possibly hurting his confidence. Seems like a plan to me.

Playing Boyle might help GB in a playoff game later this year. However, it seems like a small possibility that playing a quarter in week 17 would make a difference in a playoff game should Boyle have to play all or part of a playoff game. GB will have to tender Boyle as an RFA or sign him. Playing a quarter might affect his value positively. If it decreases his value, does it matter since I wouldn't sign him for very much in any event?

Coaches/GM should know whether they think GB can get by with AR and Love as the QBs in 2021 (that is, whether they can dispense with Boyle's services). I certainly don't know. It may be that the coaches don't think either can play at a backup level.

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PackerBacker77's picture

December 25, 2020 at 07:12 pm

If things go back to normal next season the packers will only carry 2 QBs , and Boyle will be gone.

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4thandinches's picture

December 26, 2020 at 06:07 am

Seems like playing Love would create quite a distraction for 2 weeks leading up to a home playoff game in the hypothetical scenario proposed. I personally don't think 10 to 20 live snaps for Love are worth it. This team needs to be focused on what's in front of it this year
The draft is for the future. The regular season is about the present. If we sit Rodgers, we should play whomever has earned the #2 qb spot. Right now, that's Boyle.

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