Green Bay Packers v. Chiefs: 5 Big Questions Ahead of Matchup
By Paul Bretl
There’s been a shakeup this week as Jordan Love will be making his first NFL start for the Green Bay Packers and having to do so on the road against a 4-4 Kansas City Chiefs team.
As part of my weekly preview, I have my five big questions facing this Green Bay Packers team before they take the field in Kansas City.
What will we see from Jordan Love?
Well, let’s start with the question on everyone’s mind–and I don’t think anyone, even those within the building, knows the answer at this point.
I think most would categorize Love’s preseason performances as successful. Of course, there are throws he’d like back and improvements to be made, but Matt LaFleur and Nathaniel Hackett would both mention how much more comfortable he looked in Year 2. On top of that, we saw him go through his progressions, his footwork was in sync, and he made on-time throws, along with a few that really caught your attention.
Overall, he would finish those two preseason games 24/35 for 271 yards with one touchdown, one interception, and 7.7 yards per attempt, according to PFF ($$). Against New Orleans in Week 1, Love made his regular-season debut and completed 5/7 passes for 68 yards.
The game plan for the Green Bay Packers should be similar to what it was against Arizona. Kansas City is allowing 4.6 yards per rush, so expect a lot of AJ Dillon and Aaron Jones, and it’s going to be important that the defense keeps this low scoring and generates turnovers for extra possessions.
It’s unfortunate circumstances that Love is making his first start, but it gives Green Bay a tremendous opportunity to see what he can do against a talented team and in a difficult road environment. Lean on the run game but don’t protect Love either–let’s see what he’s got.