A Minnesota Vikings starter took a subtle shot at Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love recently. The Packers are set to move on to the Love era after a decade and a half of Aaron Rodgers under center in Green Bay.
Alexander Mattison takes a subtle shot at Jordan Love
Rodgers did a lot of winning for the Packers during that time. In an interview with Sports Illustrated, Vikings running back Alexander Mattison recently talked about the Rodgers era finally coming to a close in the NFC North. Mattison didn’t mention Love by name but said the Vikings feel better with Rodgers out of the division:
“You don’t want to say that the other quarterback is not good or anything like that, but you just understand what you’re getting with such a great player with Aaron Rodgers. It just makes a whole team play better. For him to have gone to another team outside of our division, it definitely helps us understand that at least we can say he’s gone. He’s out of there.”
The NFC North seems glad Aaron Rodgers is gone
Mattison was careful not to use Love’s name in the interview or even say that he wouldn’t be as effective as Rodgers. However, it’s clear from the statement Mattison knows Rodgers made the Packers a formidable opponent. Love hasn’t shown that ability yet.
Mattison isn’t the only NFC North opponent to echo that sentiment. Per WSH Media files, an NFC North coach said they were glad Rodgers was out of the division because he’s one of the hardest quarterbacks a team can face.
Rodgers gained a lot of respect from his NFC North foes during his time with the Packers. Teams won’t have the same respect for Love until he can prove to be as dangerous to the division.
Love and the Packers could use that to their advantage this season–if Love can perform at a high enough level. Their divisional opponents could be caught off guard if they don’t take the Packers as seriously without Rodgers.
And if Love can’t take advantage of that… Maybe Mattison is right.
For More Wisconsin Sports:
Follow me on Twitter at @JordanSig, and follow us @WiSportsHeroics. You can also reach out to Jordan Sigler via email at jordanmsigler@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Wisconsin sports, click here! Green Bay Packers, Wisconsin Badgers, Milwaukee Brewers, Milwaukee Bucks.