The Green Bay Packers do not need a clean pocket or a dominant ground game for Jordan Love to keep their offense moving right now. Green Bay quarterback Jordan Love has responded to a rocky early stretch by creating plays under pressure, changing protections at the line and pushing the ball downfield during the team’s three-game winning streak.
Locked On Packers host Peter Bukowski said Love has played like an MVP candidate in recent weeks, a leap that has given Matt LaFleur’s offense an answer even when its protection and run game have not cooperated.
Bukowski pointed to Pro Football Focus’ big-time-throw metric, noting Love recorded 10 such throws during the previous two games (weeks 5 and 6) and led the NFL in the category. He also declared the quarterback left production on the field against the Dallas Cowboys after two potential touchdown passes were dropped.
The more consequential development for Green Bay may be Love’s control before the throw. Bukowski highlighted a red-zone play initially called as a screen, saying Love recognized the look and changed to a back-shoulder throw that created a touchdown opportunity. Those checks matter against Detroit, which can force the Packers to win through the air by preventing the running game from consistently creating favorable down-and-distance opportunities.
Love has also answered a familiar criticism with his willingness to stay in the pocket. Bukowski cited difficult throws against pressure from the Cowboys and Chicago Bears, including downfield completions delivered as defenders closed around him. The host drew a distinction between Love handling pressure and the offense allowing free rushers because of missed assignments, putting added importance on communication up front against the Detroit Lions.
That does not make the protection issues disappear. However, it gives LaFleur more freedom to attack, whether through quick-game concepts, play action or deeper dropbacks. Love’s recent form has made the Packers’ passing game the foundation of their recovery rather than merely a complement to it.
Green Bay’s next test comes on Sunday (Oct. 25) against a Detroit team that can score quickly. That raises the stakes for Love’s command at the line and the offensive line’s ability to give him enough time to attack.
Packers News and Notes
– Running back Josh Jacobs is expected to practice Wednesday after his return from the exempt list on Monday (Oct. 19), according to Bukowski. The host does not expect Jacobs to need a lengthy ramp-up, but suggested a limited early down workload could be more realistic than 20 carries against Detroit.
– Edge rusher Micah Parsons will not practice this week, Bukowski said. He identified the Los Angeles Rams game on Nov. 25 as an increasingly plausible point for Parsons to return. That would give the Packers a potential defensive reinforcement later in the schedule.
More on the Green Bay Packers
- Packers’ Three-Game Win Streak Shows Matt LaFleur Has Adapted
- Dallas Cowboys Awaiting NFL Punishment Decision After Loss to Packers
- On Historic Pace, Packers’ Christian Watson and Matthew Golden Have Already Accomplished a Rare Feat Through Six Games
- Week 7 Power Rankings Roundup: Packers’ Stock Continues to Rise
Some or all of this content may have been generated by AI. While we strive for accuracy, AI can occasionally produce incorrect information. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.
