The Green Bay Packers have a new starting quarterback for the first time in 15 years. The transition from Aaron Rodgers to Jordan Love, in addition to the plethora of young pass catchers, has led many to predict that the Packers will struggle in 2023. One of these is ESPN’s Jeff Darlington, who believes that Rodgers would still be on the team if they had a playoff-caliber roster.
After Darlington made his comments on NFL Live, former Pro Bowl wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson, who has been a Love believer for months, came to the young quarterback’s defense.
Former Pro Bowl Wide Receiver Keyshawn Johnson Defends Green Bay Packers Quarterback Jordan Love
In response to Darlington’s comments, Johnson said:
“Here’s what I would say. I understand the fascination with Aaron Rodgers being a great Hall of Famer and they’re not gonna be better. Of course they would be better with Aaron Rodgers and of course they trust Aaron Rodgers judgment of the talent. This team didn’t go to the Super Bowl with Aaron Rodgers.
“My whole point is when coaches coach sometimes they do more because they think they have something in a certain player. When they realize that they don’t need to do that things change for the better. This defense is still intact. They still have Aaron Jones. They got two young receivers that are studs that are going to their second year, not their first year.
“I understand we don’t know a whole lot about Jordan Love, but the throws I did see him make when he did start, I didn’t walk away going ‘Oh my God he can’t play in the national football league.’”
Johnson’s last statement was echoed by Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Darius Slay following Love’s performance against his team when Rodgers went down with an injury. “Green Bay’s got a bright future, because buddy was slinging it,” Slay said of Love’s play.
ESPN’s Mina Kimes Responded to the Jordan Love Criticism As Well
Mina Kimes was the third analyst on the show and her opinion on the 2023 Green Bay Packers is in the middle of the two other takes:
“I suspect the truth kinda lies somewhere between playoff team and rebuild with the Packers. You know most people when they think of a rebuild they think of a team that has very little chance of being competitive and I don’t think that’s true of the Green Bay Packers. I think there’s just too much talent on this roster. It’s a defense that hasn’t played up to that talent level, but I thought played better at the end of last year.
“With tons of first round draft picks, it’s dominant offensive line, very good run game led by Aaron Jones, an underrated skill group and I think one of the better play callers in the NFL in Matt LaFleur. If Jordan Love plays in the top half of expectations they will absolutely be in the mix for the NFC North.”
The Packers certainly have the tools to compete in a lowly NFC North Division. The question is whether or not their coaches will put them in the right position to succeed. Love and the offense will have the chemistry Rodgers did not have, at least with the young wide receivers. The offensive line is solid and Aaron Jones/AJ Dillon are among the best running back duos in the NFL.
The offense will be fine. To be honest, there should be more questions surrounding Joe Barry’s schemes on the defensive side of the ball.
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1 Comment
(A.) They have a schedule that is a 9-8, 8-9 type schedule. (B.) Defense is a question mark. (C.) Love is not Rodgers, he’ll probably throw a few more INT’s, but if Lafleur can call plays that fit Love’s skill set, they’ll be able to compete. (D.) Every team they play, will come with blitz packages. The Packers will go as far as their TE’s carry them.