Jordan Love Comeback: The Green Bay Packers’quarterback orchestrated a remarkable comeback against the New Orleans Saints. Facing a 17-0 deficity, Jordan Love executed multiple drives leadingthe Green Bay Packers to a 18-17 victory.
Facing a 17-0 deficit, quarterback Jordan Love executed multiple drives leading the Packers to a 18-17 fourth quarter lead. Notably, the penalties ceased, and as did the blocked punts returned for touchdowns. The defense stepped up with big plays, and Head Coach Matt LeFleur decision to go to a two-minute drill offense worked.
Comparisons between Jordan Love and Aaron Rodgers will continue, as the two are forever intertwined. The Packers drafted Love 26th overall in 2020 as Rodger’s heir apparent. He sat behind a four-time MVP winner – rare air. No other player has won MVP four times; Peyton Manning has won it five times. Tom Brady, Jim Brown, Johnny Unitas and Brett Favre all have been MVP three times.
In the Mind of a 4-Time MVP
With Love’s selection, reports surfaced of Rodger’s unhappiness. Most assume the 36-year-old took exception to having his replacement drafted. Speculation is that he wasn’t “consulted” before the pick. We can only speculate about a 4-time MVP’s mindset which undoubtabledly is different than yours or mine.
The sanitized story: Rodgers disliked the pick because he felt the team was Super Bowl-ready. Having won just one Super Bowl in his illustrious career, Rodgers wanted a player to immediately help after losing the NFC Championship to the 49ers. Rodgers’ desire for consultation and input ultimately led to his Green Bay departure this offseason.
Jordan Love A New Star Emerges
Love is now linked to Rodgers the way Rodgers is linked to Bret Favre. That Rodgers, drafted in 2005 out of California, sat on the bench behind Brett Favre, for three years increased pressure on Love now. This is the Packers’ model for preparing quarterbacks – the last two will be both first ballot Hall of Famers. Expectation for Love are quite high within the Packers’ fron office.
Jordan Love’s touchdown to Romeo Doubs with a just over two minutes left put the Packers ahead. The New Orleans Saints had a chance as they came down the field, but rookie Blake Grupe’s 46-yard attempt missed right with 1:05 remaning.
Love remains a work in progress. His touchdown-to-interception ratio of 7:1 is excellent, but his 53.1% completion rate needs improvement. He is an emerging star in the works. The 2-1 Packers lead the NFC North and host the division co-leading Detroit Lions on Thursday.
Barry Schustermann
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