The Packers have built an offense around the notion of explosive plays being the driving force, but it will be up to quarterback Jordan Love to maximize the new weapons around him.
First-round rookie wide receiver Matthew Golden, and his game-altering speed, could figure to be a focal point of the vertical passing game and the biggest beneficiary of running back Josh Jacobs’ explosiveness as a violent downhill runner. But, Love holds the keys to whether head coach Matt LaFleur’s system reaches its potential.
Packers’ Jordan Love Must Overcome ‘Quarterback Kryptonite’
Over at Pro Football Focus, analyst John Kosko pointed out each starting quarterback’s biggest weakness, including Love’s struggles to consistently hit on big plays deep downfield.
“As expected, Love’s elite-level PFF grade in the second half of 2023 was unsustainable,” Kosko points out for PFF. “Due to his high number of negative plays. He reined it in a bit in 2024 but ran into some issues with throws targeted 10 yards or more in the air.
“Love’s 41.3% uncatchable throw rate ranked sixth worst in the NFL — better than only three rookies, Anthony Richardson and an aging Aaron Rodgers coming off an Achilles injury.”
The Packers’ receiving corps has been plagued by drops the past several seasons, so some of Love’s struggles vertically may be at the feet, or hands, of his receivers. However, contrary to popular belief, Love’s efficiency on plays designed deep downfield is quite worrisome.
Whether Golden’s field-stretching ability becomes an asset for Love, or further underscores his struggles to hit on big plays remains to be seen and may be the biggest indicator of the Packers’ success or failure as an offense this season.
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