I thought the game plan was fantastic. To keep Parsons off the field before third down, Matt LaFleur had to move quickly. LaFleur has been underestimated nationally the whole season, as evidenced by the fact that it even cost the Cowboys a timeout.
The level of superlatives is astounding. Love is just the third NFL quarterback, behind Patrick Mahomes (2018) and Kurt Warner (1999), to record more than 4,000 passing yards and thirty-two passing touchdowns in his debut season with multiple starts. In addition, he is the only quarterback since at least 1950 to assist in leading the Packers to the postseason in his first full season of starting.
But what’s hidden from view by fans outside Lambeau Field is a young quarterback whose influence in the locker room transcends numbers. Those who do are eager to acknowledge Love’s steady leadership style, which has been vital in uniting the locker room during this crucial year of transition.
Receivers Christian Watson stated, “It just makes it easier for everybody if your quarterback can be that guy for everyone to lean on.” “He is the team’s offensive focal point and catalyst, to be honest. He is also the team’s best player. He’s done an excellent job uniting us all and simply taking on that position from the beginning. He is a constant in both good and terrible times.”
Before the NFL Draft in April of last year, Love replaced future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers as the starting quarterback in Green Bay. Rodgers was dealt to the New York Jets. Love was expected to lead the league’s youngest team in addition to carrying on the legacy of a legendary player.
Love looked promising from the start of the season, leading the Packers to a 38-20 victory over Chicago with three touchdowns. Midseason misfortune greeted early triumph, but Love’s development was evident. The 25-year-old quarterback has been outstanding over the last two months.
Love’s passer rating over his last eight games is 112.7, with him completing 196 of 279 passes (70.3%) for 2,150 yards, 18 touchdowns, and only one interception. Six of those games were won by Green Bay, preparing them for Sunday’s NFC Wild Card matchup against the Dallas Cowboys.
“Everyone regards him as a leader,” Love’s guard Jon Runyan remarked. “He is in total command of this offense and all he does. On the pitch, you can tell that we have faith in him. The things he’s done for us is incredible, and he’s a fantastic man and person in the locker room. Hopefully you can maintain it and keep it going in these playoffs.”
But it’s not all about the touchdowns. Love has produced
Love arranged for Tuesday film sessions with the receivers to assist them get in sync during a difficult period for the offense earlier in the season. In the recent past, he has had two get-togethers with teammates at his place for Monday Night Football, chicken, and lamb chops. Initially, there was an open invitation to the offensive players, but some guys from the defense also stopped by.
A full meal and open arms greeted each person.
“I believe that says a lot. Running back Aaron Jones stated, “That’s how you truly come together as a team and get to know each other, bond.” “You’re competing against each other, but in order to compete against each other, you must know one another. That seems to be one of
Love claims he’s just following in the footsteps of previous leaders and doesn’t feel like he’s creating anything unique or noteworthy when it comes to the team-building activities. Those who have never lived in the NFL, however, beg to differ.
Jayden Reed, the receiver who led the Packers in catches and receiving yards this season—a first since Sterling Sharpe in 1988—said, “That just showed… his care for us and his care for the team and the game and that’s where he earned our respect.”
“You’re willing to fight a little harder and go the extra mile for someone you know a little better. Having that brotherhood outside the building is always wonderful because at the end of
It’s just stuff he’s observed other leaders do before. Those who have never lived in the NFL, however, beg to differ.
Jayden Reed, the receiver who led the Packers in catches and receiving yards this season—a first since Sterling Sharpe in 1988—said, “That just showed… his care for us and his care for the team and the game and that’s where he earned our respect.”
“You’re willing to fight a little harder and go the extra mile for someone you know a little better. Having that camaraderie outside the building is always a nice thing because, at the end of the day, football is going to stop, guy. In the event that you lack brothers, you have
There’s no analytical way to measure what impact a few dinners and get-togethers have had on the Packers this season, but the team has navigated its share of turbulence, particularly on the injury front, to reel off three straight wins to end the regular season and earn a trip to the postseason With Love preparing to take his first playoff snap under center, there’s an entire locker room ready to lay it all on the line for its QB. “He’s always had the talent since he first got here and he figured it out,” said eighth-year defensive lineman Kenny Clark of Love. “(He) sat behind Aaron and learned from one of the best to ever do it and it’s been awesome to see him do
