Aaron Rodgers has held out of the Packers mandatory minicamp. Therefore, all eyes are on backup quarterback Jordan Love. His first two days have been a rollercoaster ride, looking overwhelmed on the first day, but looked ready to take over week one against the Saints on September 12, if needed.
The odds of Rodgers’ return are still decent, but anyone betting on the situation should proceed with caution. If you frequent sites such as TVG Indiana, then you are probably already quite familiar with deciphering these unpredictable situations when putting your money down.
Love, first-round selection in the 2020 draft, connected on just a little over half of his passes on the first day. He started day two with a 30-year completion along the right sideline to AJ Dillon. Love impressed with a deep pass to Allen Lazard, another 30-yard strike to Aaron Jones, and an Aaron Rodgers-like deep pass on a corner route to Juwann Winfree.
During 11-on-11 drills, Love completed 20-of-31 passes, which included a very impressive 7-of-10 during two-minute drills. Instead of dividing the repetitions at quarterback equally between Kurt Benkert and Blake Bortles, Love remained on the field for extended periods.
To put this in perspective, Love was entrenched as the third-string quarterback last season, seeing minimal repetitions. LaFleur is watching Love intently, grading his decision-making, time, accuracy and just looking for him to improve day by day. All the success that Love has, even during a minicamp in June, will help build his confidence, which is vital should he have to play in a meaningful game.
Love said he and Rodgers had built a strong working relationship last season. Rodgers was disgruntled with the organization’s decision to draft a quarterback in the first round, but never had an issue with Love. Clearly, it has changed Rodgers’ perspective on how his career would end, which he always thought would be with the Packers.
Love has stayed in contact with Rodgers during the offseason, and although surprised that Rodgers isn’t in camp, is focusing on what he can do to get better. After all, that’s the only thing he can control and get ready if called upon when the chips are down.
For the time being, every move Love makes on the field will go under scrutiny. He can’t try to be everything that Rodgers is and no person expects him to be. The main focus for Love to focus on the best he can be and everyone around him must help him reach his potential.
The fans must support Love, after all, he is the one there at the moment, not Rodgers. Love should be supported. Although the Packers still think Rodgers will be under center to start the season, there is a chance the team will have to move forward without him. If that’s the case, Love will be the guy, love it or not.