For Packers quarterback Jordan Love, the 2024 season was not a bad one. In his second year as a starter, he led the team to a 9-6 record, throwing for 225.9 yards per game and 25 touchdowns to go with 11 interceptions, severely reducing his sack numbers–from a 4.93 sack percentage in 2023 to 3.19 last year.
After a breakout performance in 2023, Love boosted his rating in 2024, though only modestly, from 96.1 to 96.7.
Still, it did not feel like a great year from Love, and that most likely has more to do with perception than reality. There was more expected after Love finished 2023 red-hot in the pocket, and Packers fans just did not get the big leap they were seeking from the new QB1.
Jordan Love Had Knee, Groin injuries in 2024
But the reason for that should have been obvious from the get-go. In the Packers’ season opener, played in Sao Paolo, Brazil, against the eventual champion Eagles, Love injured his knee in the game’s final series. He threw for 260 yards and two touchdowns in that game, a 34-29 loss.
Love missed two games as he recovered from the knee problem, then played through a subsequent groin injury, too. If there was a reason he was not quite the quarterback many hoped he’d be last season, it’s likely that the injuries were a factor.
Love himself has never, and probably wouldn’t, pointed to the injuries as an excuse. But his coach, Matt LaFleur, made mention of the aches and pains this week at camp.
Packers Pleased With Love’s Mobility
LaFleur was discussing Love on Sunday before practice, and mentioned that Love is showing increased mobility in camp.
“I think usually you can move a little better if you don’t have a knee or groin,” LaFleur said, via Packersnews.com. “I think he’s been looking good and that’s part of playing that position. ““I think some guys are a little better at the pocket manipulation than others. I think he’s done a pretty good job.”
But Love did a good job of avoiding sacks, which can be largely attributed to his internal clock. There were plenty of plays, though, in which he chose to throw the ball away rather than keep a play alive with his legs–because his legs were not that reliable.
He also attempted only 25 rushes for 83 yards, after running 50 times for 247 yards and four touchdowns in 2023. Defenses clearly knew he was a reduced threat as a running option.
Matt LaFleur: ‘He Has a Good Feel in the Pocket’
LaFleur praised Love’s ability to keep time and get the ball out of his hands, even when he can’t count on his legs.
“I was looking at the number of sacks guys take,” LaFleur said, “and he has a good feel in the pocket and understands when he needs to use his legs to try to manipulate the pocket or there’s nowhere to go, ‘Oh shoot, where’s my checkdown?’
“So, I think he’s done that over the course of two years, (done) a pretty good job with that, whether he’s got his legs or not.”
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