Whenever the Aaron Rodgers era officially comes to an end, 24-year-old Jordan Love will take over the starting quarterback duties in Green Bay.
But when Love is formally named the Packers’ starter, his head coach, Matt LaFleur, doesn’t expect the former first-round pick to be Rodgers 2.0.
«Certainly, I think we’re kidding ourselves if we think he’s going to go out and perform at the level of Aaron Rodgers,» LaFleur said at the NFL annual meeting. «This guy is a once-in-a-lifetime generational talent, and I don’t think he necessarily started out that way when he started out. But he progressed on it.»
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Aaron Rodgers #12 and Jordan Love #10 of the Green Bay Packers look on before the game against the Tennessee Titans at Lambeau Field on November 17, 2022 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Patricio McDermott/Getty Images)
LaFleur went on to describe the transition from Rodgers to Love as «a progression».
Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst is tasked with finalizing the Rodgers trade to the New York Jets. Earlier this month, the four-time Super Bowl winner announced his intentions to play for the Jets.
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But, LaFleur seems already focused on doing what he can to prepare Love for the starting role.
«It’s certainly going to be a different role for him, and I think we all have to temper our expectations for him,» LaFleur said.
«It’s different when you go into a game than when you start a game. It’s going to be a process, but it’s going to be exciting for him, for us. I don’t think any quarterback can really do it on his own in this league. They’ll rally around him and try to play his best so he can go out and perform to the best of his ability.»
Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love looks on during the second half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2022, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Love’s only NFL career start came in a game against the Kansas City Chiefs in 2021. But he’s gotten significant playing time in a couple of other games over the years.
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Last season he completed six of his nine passes in the second half of a Week 12 game against the Eagles. Joint practices are something that can help Love prepare for the regular season, something LaFleur seems to be in favor of.
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) watches a replay on the big screen with Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur during an NFL football game between the Detroit Lions and the Green Bay Packers in Detroit, Michigan, USA 2022. (Photo by Amy Lemus/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Gutekunst insisted earlier this offseason that Love was «absolutely» ready to become a starter. He doubled down on previous comments of him this week.
«I mentioned it before,» Gutekunst said, «but it’s time for me to play.»
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LaFleur was groomed under 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan, and a quarterback trade could present him with an opportunity to incorporate more of his philosophy into the offensive scheme.
«I’ve been hearing that a lot,» LaFleur said jokingly.
«The way I always look at it, it’s our offense,» he added. «Obviously, you want to do whatever it is that enhances the skills of your players, whether it’s the quarterback, the receivers, whoever it is.»