The Green Bay Packers 2024 season got off to a rough start Friday night in Sao Paolo. The team not only lost their season opener to the Eagles, but they lost quarterback Jordan Love for an estimated 3-6 weeks due to an MCL sprain. Obviously, the injury to the team’s franchise quarterback will have a ripple effect on how things go for the team in the next few weeks. Here are five ways the injury to Jordan Love changes things for the Green Bay Packers:
Five Ways the Injury to Jordan Love Changes Things for the Packers, Number Five: Matt LaFleur’s Game Plan
There is little doubt that not having your starting quarterback available will change the way head coach Matt LaFleur approaches his play calling and game plan. Obviously, having a new quarterback who is either lacking NFL experience or is unfamiliar with this offense (or both) changes the way the Packers will approach both play calling and the general game plan.
The Packers may pass less often and make shorter passes when they do throw the football. The running backs and tight ends may be more involved in the passing game.
In addition, the passing game may be more basic or “dumbed down” because of the lack of experience the new starter has with the team.
We may also see more gadget plays like jet sweeps or designed running plays for the quarterback to keep the defense guessing a bit.
Number Four: There Will Be More Pressure on the Offensive Line
Things will change for the Packers offensive line. The Packers will likely run the ball more, so the line will have to run block more often. They will also have to do a better job of run blocking.
Most of the Packers offensive linemen are better as pass protection than run blocking. We saw that last season and in the first half against the Eagles. With the passing game more limited, running the ball well will be even more important. We’ll see if Zach Tom, Elgton Jenkins, and company can get the job done.
Five Ways the Injury to Jordan Love Changes Things for the Packers, Number Three: Josh Jacobs Will Be the Focal Point of the Offense
Running back Josh Jacobs had a strong second half against the Eagles after a slow start. He will now be called on to be the focal point of the offense. Defenses will be geared to shutting him down first, rather than Love who was previously the center of defensive coordinator’s attention.
The Packers will likely run the ball more frequently and they’ll need a strong performance from Jacobs along with Emanuel Wilson and eventually MarShawn Lloyd when he’s healthy.
Moving the ball on the ground will be critical for the Packers offense. They will need to stay out of must pass situations which will make things harder for the new quarterback.
The Packers may also use Jacobs more as a receiver with an emphasis on shorter passes.
Number Two: There Will Be More Pressure on the Defense
The Packers are unlikely to score as many points with their backup quarterback as they typically do with Love under center. This means the Packers defense will have to give up fewer points to keep the team in games.
In addition, creating more turnovers and giving the offense a short field will matter more. The Packers will have a harder time going on 10-play, 75-yard drives.
The defense will have to step up their overall game. This will be a big early test for Jeff Hafley in his first season as the team’s defensive coordinator.
Five Ways the Injury to Jordan Love Changes Things for the Packers, Number One: The Backup Quarterback
The Packers are now going to have to turn to one of their backup quarterbacks to get the job done. It’s likely Malik Willis will get the first opportunity to start.
The Packers traded for Willis before the team’s third preseason game. He has been with the team for less than a month and has only taken two snaps with the Packers.
Willis has started three games in his career and won one of them. He is a mobile and athletic quarterback, so LaFleur may design some plays to take advantage of that fact. Willis also has a strong arm. According to GM Brian Gutekunst, Willis made significant progress during this offseason.
Sean Clifford has more experience in the Packers offense but has thrown only one pass in his NFL career. He also struggled early in training camp and in the preseason.
The Packers may look to bring in a veteran backup like Ryan Tannahill but right now, Willis is the likely starter for the Packers. Obviously, he will have to prove he can do the job as the Packers look to stay competitive until Love is ready to return.
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