Cory's Corner: It's Not Love Time Yet

Be happy that Jordan Love is practicing. Just don't rush him out too soon. 

Err on the side of caution.

I know that Jordan Love has been practicing and he is likely close. 

But I don’t want the $55 million man to play in Nashville on Sunday. He may appear to look like the springy and untouchable Jordan Love, but I’d rather wait.

Mainly because the Packers got the win against the Colts this past week in a game where everyone knew what was happening. The only thing Packers coach Matt LaFleur didn’t do was get on a bullhorn and yell to the other sideline what was coming. 

Of course the Titans know exactly what Malik Willis can and cannot do. He was drafted by Tennessee in the third round in 2022. They have seen him start three games with less than marginal results. 

This isn’t about revenge for Willis. This is about making sure that Love is 100 percent healthy. It’s not worth trotting him out there in a game that isn’t that consequential. Granted, if this was a playoff game, there’s no doubt that Love would be playing. 

But remember, the last regular season game is Jan. 5. This is a long season. It’s even longer when your starting quarterback gets dinged up in Week 1. Which is why making sure that he’s healthy is of the utmost importance. 

The perfect time for Love to make his return would be the NFC North opener vs. Minnesota on Sept. 29. With the way the upstart Vikings are playing with Sam Darnold makes that game even more important because undefeated Minnesota has a scoring differential of plus-28 and is ranked No. 8 in rushing defense by allowing 88 yards a game. 

The Packers will be forced to use Willis’ arm more this week. That doesn’t mean that the run will be forgotten, but after watching the game tape, Tennessee is going to force Willis to beat them with his arm. Giving it to Josh Jacobs 32 times will not produce a win this week. 

LaFleur gave the Colts so many looks and ended up confusing the defense with motion and who was getting the ball. Similarly, he can do the same thing with the passing game. Put a lot of guys in motion presnap, run play-action, run swings and screens for tight ends who have not been utilized much this season. 

The Titans are one of the flimsiest offenses in the NFL by averaging 17 points and 272 yards a game. This game is actually similar to the Colts game. The Packers shouldn’t need Love to play in order to win. The Packers have the better overall roster — it will just take solid execution to win this time vs. an opponent that has common knowledge. 

This game will be like playing your older brother in the backyard. He knows that you cannot run him over but you can juke him out of his holy high tops. I can already see LaFleur laughing deviously as he prepares a game plan that’s similar to the Colts, only pass heavy this time.

I think Willis can do it. He really showed me a lot last week. He came to Green Bay Aug. 27 and he has absorbed so much info that he could be ready for the LaFleur’s Offensive Final Exam.

Hopefully this will be Willis’ last test this season. But even if it isn’t, he has proven that he can win in different ways. So expect the unexpected — even on the well worn party path of Broadway Street. 

 

 

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Cory Jennerjohn is a graduate from UW-Oshkosh and has been in sports media for over 15 years. He was a co-host on "Clubhouse Live" and has also done various radio and TV work as well. He has written for newspapers, magazines and websites. He currently is a columnist for CHTV and also does various podcasts. He recently earned his Masters degree from the University of Iowa. He can be found on Twitter: @Coryjennerjohn

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Comments (28)

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PackEyedOptimist's picture

September 21, 2024 at 07:22 am

Personally, I’d start Willis and have Love dress.
I know that’s “not how teams do it,” but I think it would make perfect sense in this situation.
I also hope that we see ZERO attempts to run inside in this game.
The odds of our poor interior blocking having success against their DTs are incredibly low. Hopefully, our motion game will work.
I think Watson, Reed, and Melton need to have a good game.

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Turophile's picture

September 21, 2024 at 08:52 am

I know teams tend not to do that but it makes sense to me if Love is borderline ready to start.

Let Willis lead it off and switch to Love if he struggles. If Willis is doing fine, let Love sit this week and start him next week. Willis himself is probably super-motivated playing against his former team.....

Good teams have the instincts on when to do the unusual.

This may not be a popular opinion, but it does make sense.

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stockholder's picture

September 21, 2024 at 07:58 am

Actually, it's time to see what Willis can do.
For him; It should be about Revenge.
But with Morgan and Carpenter out.
And with the nursing taking time off this week.
Keep Love out of it.
It's time to trust MLF.
And believe this Team is more than
just 1 guy at Qb.

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Todd's picture

September 21, 2024 at 08:27 am

Wait. Now, you’re okay with MLF? That comment aside, I’d rather than sit love another week. MCLs can be tricky.

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Oppy's picture

September 21, 2024 at 08:41 am

Stockholder has been an ardent supporter of MLF as the primary reason the Packers win since the moment Rodgers was sent packing.

It allows him to explain how the Packers have had continued success without Rodgers, without having to acknowledge Gutekunst has put together a talented roster or that Jordan Love really is that guy.

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stockholder's picture

September 21, 2024 at 12:35 pm

If you watched Rodgers Thursday.
How could you not be impressed with
his weapons. His accuracy.
MLF has done a great job with what Gute gave him.
But I still view them as Gute's guesses.
Is Love that guy ?
It's done. We can only hope it turns out.

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Oppy's picture

September 21, 2024 at 03:43 pm

Who cares about Rodgers? He's a jet.
Packers are a better team today than they were with Rodgers in 2022.. and I can guarantee they'll be a better team with Love than whatever team Rodgers is on, if any, for the next ten years.

Team management: it's not for fan bois

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Bitternotsour's picture

September 21, 2024 at 08:59 am

Every once in a while I get to say to Stockholder, you're not wrong. Stockholder, you're not wrong. This is WIllis week, and yes, there is certainly a revenge factor. I like it.

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Coldworld's picture

September 21, 2024 at 08:09 am

I don’t really know what Willis can do. On the evidence of last week, a little more than he was asked. Perhaps a little more than Richardson and thus any QB in that offense is asked to do?

With an MCL, it’s ready when it’s ready. Love will either be essentially fine or not. It’s just a question of regaining the resiliency and one can tell. If it’s close then only another impact or twist can set that back and potentially make the problem much bigger. If the excess movement is fully gone then he plays.

If it’s not, brace or not, give it a week and make sure it’s the last we hear of it. Practice isn’t a game. You can do pretty much anything at 2/3 speed and no contact before the MCL is completely right. Giving it a week means not dressing him in this one. He’s either ready to start or not and it’s not worth risking a longer outage to increase the chance of a win here. The Titans have artificial turf now, which may be a consideration as well.

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Ezera'shotdogvendor's picture

September 22, 2024 at 08:19 am

I agree. Thanks for info on artificial turf. I was wondering what the field was.

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Oppy's picture

September 21, 2024 at 08:59 am

The Titans run defense isn't the Colts run defense, and if you expect Willis to move the offense via the passing game, you're asking for trouble. It is imperative the Packers find success on the ground, which may prove to be a challenge. We'll see.

That being said.. Every win is important in an NFL season, but an AFC matchup is one of the least important games of the season, and Love's long term health for the duration is more important than any one win.

Play Malik Willis. Suit up Clifford. Love stays inactive. IMO.

I expect MLF will attempt to sneak in some deep PA passes. The table has been set for it with last week's run heavy performance, and we have some burners who could get over the top. I'm looking squarely at Bo Melton who was running the ball out of the backfield last week. If the Packers can find occasional clean chunk plays that don't require much processing for Willis to connect to get down field and then work into scoring position on the strength of the ground game and quick, short 1st read plays, they may have a chance to keep it manageable. If they end up having to rely on Willis attempting to coordinate long drives with his arm, it's going to be very tough to win... at the end of the day, just don't rush Love back to the field. If the Packers think he's 95% ready to go, give him another week to recoup, stretch, and strengthen.

Let's see if we can eek out another win.

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porupack's picture

September 21, 2024 at 09:11 am

Packers should win this one with Willis. He had a full week to prepare better for the passing game. I agree with other posters that Tennessee will/should initially defend the run and dare Willis to move the ball through the air, and try to defend short quick throws. The Oline has to sustain just long enough for receivers to lengthen the field for defense....so start with a number of 2 TE sets to chip block, then one of them slip out. No way Tennessee can defend layered passing attack with WRs alternating deep route penetration. Only when Tennessee defense starts to soften up their box-heavy sets, then start running. This will be a fun game to watch what Willis can do with advance preparation and game plan around his skills.....hopefully a few designed runs to befuddle the defense further.

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Oppy's picture

September 21, 2024 at 10:01 am

"No way Tennessee can defend layered passing attack with WRs alternating deep route penetration"

That may be true, but you need a QB who can work their way through the reads to utiliize a layered passing attack

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NFLfan's picture

September 21, 2024 at 09:44 am

An MCL strain can easily be re-injured. If Love requires a brace, it is not healed. The Titans are a mediocre team and let La Fleur do the heavy lifting. GB tends to over-rely on their QB 1's.

The Packers need a healthy Love down the stretch when the stakes are higher, the weather colder, and wear and tear inevitable.
There are very few teams who haven't already sustained a loss-it's not the end of the world if they lose, though I don't think they will.

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WestCoastPackerBacker's picture

September 21, 2024 at 12:12 pm

I’m wondering how you see the Packers over relying on their number one quarterback versus other teams reliance on their number one? How do you measure that?

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Major Snafu's picture

September 21, 2024 at 02:04 pm

I didnt know he had a brace on it. Makes sense to stabalize the area but if he is practicing with a brace that tells me he aint playing its lefluers smoke and mirror game.

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LambeauPlain's picture

September 21, 2024 at 10:03 am

Dr. Cory is of the opinion Love is not ready to play, but will be ready in a week, for the Vikings.

QB Love is saying he's feeling good, moving well, good to be practicing. If the Ultra Cautious Medical Team gives clearance, he is confident he will play.

Coach Matt is wisely being coy, so the Titans will continue to have to game plan for 3 QBs. He will probably wait to announce the starter tomorrow so the Ultra Cautious Medical Team can give one last assessment of the MCL's response to exercise, practice, rest, lack of swelling, etc...in the AM. Good news the MCL was probably less than a grade 1 strain, explaining why he bounced back so quickly. (I had the same minor MCL strain that was a 10 on the initial pain scale...three days later the pain was barely noticeable)

The Ultra Cautious Medical Team has cleared Love for practice. If they clear him to play tomorrow, he will be active. If they do not clear him it may indicate some soreness, swelling, pain in movement yet.

If he is active, whether he starts or not, IDK. Matt may have a tag team behind center...he's crafty.

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HawkPacker's picture

September 21, 2024 at 10:20 am

Whether or not Love plays or Willis starts, the key to me, based on Tennessee's rushing defense is LAF's ability to make 'in game' adjustments. We just can't continue to beat our heads against the wall but adjust, adjust and adjust as necessary.

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LeotisHarris's picture

September 21, 2024 at 10:55 am

LaFleur laughing deviously.
Love is likely close.
Expect the unexpected.
Like playing your older brother in the backyard.
This isn’t about revenge for Willis.
Giving it to Josh Jacobs 32 times will not produce a win.
Err on the side of caution.
I think Willis can do it.

::SlowlyPressesFaceAgainstBeltSander::

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MooPack's picture

September 21, 2024 at 09:53 pm

Wait...LH is secretly SH???

The pentameter...scarry.

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TarynsEyes's picture

September 21, 2024 at 11:03 am

Only fools rush in where the injured should fear to tread.

Nothing will be entirely lost by waiting another week, or two, if another win is achieved against Tenn.

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PackfanNY's picture

September 21, 2024 at 01:12 pm

This is a medical DOCTOR/Player decision. If he’s cleared to play he plays. If they say he is not healed and would benefit from another week he should sit. The only ones who have access to ALL the information are the DOCTORS. They are paid to make these decisions. The player also has a role, only he knows how he feels. However, sometimes Doctors have to protect players from themselves. None of us know a thing.

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Major Snafu's picture

September 21, 2024 at 02:02 pm

I'm with you. I did read that one analyst from a respectable sports page said love would miss three weeks. So if that guy was right, this is week two but I think he will be coming back next week. I hate to see him come back early and damage it more. Let it heal.

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PhantomII's picture

September 21, 2024 at 02:49 pm

I saw JL jumping up and down and twisting his upper and lower body doing so. AR would start ...Favre would DEFINITELY start...therefore JL will start. JL is of now the best chance of winning with much longer in the system. Willis may start if management is worried enough to force it. It would be good to know snap counts of both QB's mid week on. Regardless...GPG

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13TimeChamps's picture

September 21, 2024 at 03:27 pm

Of course, Favre would start, because the most important thing to him would be keeping his streak alive above all else.

Of course, Rodgers would start, because winning MVP's was the most important thing to him and you can't accomplish that by not playing.

I'm not understanding where you're coming to the "therefor JL will start" based on what his two predecessors may or may not have done.

If he's medically cleared, he'll probably play. If he's not, he won't.

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PhantomII's picture

September 21, 2024 at 08:21 pm

The Most important thing is not being replaced. JL is moving well enough to start...most people see that.

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13TimeChamps's picture

September 21, 2024 at 10:31 pm

Most people aren't medical professionals, but thanks for your expert opinion.

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PhantomII's picture

September 21, 2024 at 11:14 pm

UR Welcome..As long as he's not dealing with any knee swelling issues, he should be good. Hopefully he plays better than his first outing. If not Willis it is until JL is good enough..enough. In the NFL...No player is 100% after week 1...some didn't even make it to that and are on IR.

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