Packers: Jordan Love player to watch in Week 1 of Preseason
For better or worse, the Green Bay Packers’ future is directly tied to the progress Jordan Love makes at quarterback. That may be hard to grasp following Aaron Rodgers’ MVP season, but the truth is the truth.
Jordan Love took all the first-team reps over the summer but has been demoted to the second team in training camp with Rodgers’ return. Still, he’s in line for the majority of the preseason reps, making him the player to watch in Week 1 of the preseason.
Beginning a new tradition here at Dairyland Express, we’ll highlight one player for each week of the preseason, regular season, and (hopefully) postseason to keep your eye on. That player might be in line for a big game, play a key role in the team’s game plan, or something entirely different. It will vary from week to week.
The Green Bay Packers’ future mostly depends on Jordan Love’s development which is why he’s the team’s player to watch in Week 1 of the preseason.
The Packers kick off their first preseason game on Saturday, Aug. 14 at Lambeau Field. That contest will take place against the vaunted Houston Texans.
Just this week, head coach Matt LaFleur stated that Rodgers would not be playing this preseason and that 2020 first-round pick Jordan Love will be taking the majority of snaps at quarterback for Green Bay. At this point in his career, Rodgers doesn’t need (nor want) preseason action, and Love will take all the playing time he can soak up.
Since last year’s preseason was canceled due to Covid-19, Love hasn’t played an actual football game in nearly a year and a half. The closest thing he’s come is the Packers’ annual Family Night scrimmage last Saturday. It’s safe to say the second-year quarterback is looking forward to some game action.
LaFleur said Love will take the majority of the snaps in Week 1 with the team looking to get him back into the game. That will provide fans with the first real opportunity to assess Love and his ability–a very important aspect of this process.
Secondarily, perhaps, is that Love will get his first opportunity to experience football at the NFL level. The speed will surely be an adjustment but it will be important to keep an eye on the (hopefully) future Packers’ starter. Love has showcased a strong arm and his mobility throughout training camp and has taken major strides from Year 1 to Year 2. He’s taken better command of the huddle and has shown improved mechanics as well. That’s great news for the Packers’ front office who risked (and sabotaged) their relationship with Rodgers to make this selection.
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It’s unclear how many offensive weapons Love will have available to him and for how long during the first preseason game, but make sure you keep an eye on how he fares. Considering the news Rodgers may still want a trade at the end of this season, they’ll be basing a lot of their decision on how Love does during this exhibition game. It’s safe to label Jordan Love as the Packers’ player to watch during their first preseason game.