Analyst explains why Love could become the Packers’ “top-notch” quarterback

In an article published Tuesday, Ted Nguyen of The Athletic reported how Jordan Love showed in his first full season as the Green Bay Packers’ starting quarterback that he could be a “major player” at the position as early as next fall.

“Love threw 32 touchdowns and, according to Pro Football Focus, his turnover worship rate was the 29th lowest among qualified quarterbacks (2.6 percent),” Nguyen explained. “… In the final quarter of the season, he appeared completely at ease before and after the snap. From Weeks 10 through 18, Love ranked second in expected additional points (EPA) per dropback on non-play throws.”

After the Packers lost four straight games in 2023 and dropped their record to 2-5 on the season, general manager Brian Gutekunst hinted that the final 10 games of the season would be “very important” to the franchise’s short- and long-term future.

Love responded by helping the Green Bay Packers to a playoff berth with a 9-8 record and then leading his club to an impressive 48-32 wild-card postseason victory at the Dallas Cowboys.

Love and the Packers later suffered a 24-21 loss to the San Francisco 49ers in the divisional round.

“While a quarterback’s stats under pressure can fluctuate from season to season, it’s a good sign that Love ranked seventh in EPA per dropback with pressure in his first season as a starter,” Nguyen continued. “…From Weeks 10 through 18, he ranked second in EPA per dropback on throws under 2.5 seconds. He was one of the league’s best throwers in the fast game.”

According to Pro Football Reference, Love finished the 2023 regular season ranked ninth in the NFL among qualified players with an adjusted QBR of 62.1, 11th with a passer rating of 96.1, and ninth with a pass success rate of 47.6 percent.

On Monday, The Athletic reported that Love could sign a large contract extension before training camp begins on July 22. The 25-year-old is widely expected to become one of the highest-paid players in the league.

As of Tuesday morning, Love was listed as the fifth betting favorite to win this season’s Most Valuable Player Award at +1400 at DraftKings Sportsbook. Reigning MVP Lamar Jackson and 2023 MVP finalist Brock Purdy were also at +1400 odds.