Cory's Corner: More Pressure Is On Jordan Love
Entering his second season as an NFL starting quarterback, a thin running back stable will make things challenging for the $55 million man.
The pressure was on Jordan Love the moment he signed his $200 million contract.
That pressure has been turned up a notch thanks to how things look at the Packers running back position. Josh Jacobs suffered a quad injury last year and his contact per carry (2.35 yards) was the lowest mark of his career. He also had a hamstring injury in the offseason workout program and he suffered a groin injury in training camp.
There was speculation that MarShawn Lloyd would begin the season on either the PUP list or the injured reserve. That didn’t happen as the rookie tap danced with a hamstring injury that was sandwiched between a hip injury that he dealt with at the beginning of camp.
“It’s one thing to sit in the classroom, learn it, or, even when you’re behind seeing other guys run the exact plays that you’re going to run and you’re trying to take mental reps, it’s a lot different than hearing the calls made in the huddle, lining up properly, doing all those things,” said Packers running backs coach Ben Sirmans.
Lloyd was my favorite pick the Packers made this past spring and Packers Nation is in for a treat if he can show off his explosiveness that earned him a third round pick. He can do so many things and at USC he has made a knack out of turning routine plays into highlights.
Then there’s Emanuel Wilson. The second-year pro was an undrafted rookie free agent out of Fort Valley State last year. He played in seven games and had 14 rushing attempts. He raised a lot of eyebrows in preseason with his electricity and it looked like he found another gear from last year. He also looks a lot more confident. But there’s a very strong possibility that Wilson is the primary backup at some point this season due to injuries.
Finally, I cannot forget AJ Dillon. He will not play for the Packers this season after suffering a neck injury in a joint practice with Denver. But let’s be honest, Dillon didn’t have a good camp. He often second guessed himself at the line of scrimmage. Now, someone like Barry Sanders could get away with that because he had staccato feet and Dillon does not. Dillon just needs to keep his legs churning keep going north and south. With the neck injury, there’s a chance that Dillon doesn’t put on a pro helmet again just like former Packers safety Nick Collins.
So the Packers are rolling into the season with two guys that have been peppered with injuries and one that is still green with inexperience.
That means that Love will be forced to carry more of a burden. He does have plenty of able pass catchers and he has shown that he isn’t afraid to run with it as well. But instead of the offense being run through the running backs, it will have to be run through Love, just because I don’t see the top two running backs making it through the entire season unscathed.
Does that mean that Packers coach Matt LaFleur will likely call more passes on third-and-3? It certainly could. We could also see some type of option setup where Love can run it himself, pitch it or throw it.
The beauty of this offense is that there are so many ways that it can beat you. Even if two of the top running backs go down with injury, Love could still carve up an opposing defense because he has never cared who gets the ball. He simply finds the guy that’s open.
The stakes are now raised for Love. But even if the top running backs are injured, Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, Dontayvion Wicks, Jayden Reed and Tucker Kraft are an absolute nightmare to cover.
Maybe with injured running backs means that the play-action won’t be used as often, but that’s fine. Love will just beat defenses presnap anyway.
PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO OUR CHEESEHEAD NATION WEEKLY NEWSLETTER HERE.
__________________________
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
__________________________
Comments (60)
PackEyedOptimist
August 31, 2024 at 06:36 am
I’m not worried about RB.
Our top 3 are good, and it’s unlikely that all 3 are injured at the same time.
We also have the running threat of Reed and Watson (and Willis?).
LambeauPlain
August 31, 2024 at 10:20 am
That's a Bingo!
SicSemperTyrannis
August 31, 2024 at 01:02 pm
I do not like the idea of Reed or Watson running the ball. At least not more than the rare trick play that WORKS. RBs are the strongest men on any football team pound for pound, FOR A REASON! Even though WRs are still subject to a hit in the open field, often it's still not like being taken down as a runner. And even though Bo Melton is the fastest offensive player on the team, I think it's too much of a risk.
Obviously we aren't going to be seeing #28 in the Kyle Jusczyk role, but by definition everyone else with potential to do it can run the ball too. Tucker Kraft should not be excluded!
dobber
September 01, 2024 at 07:08 am
Look at Deebo Samuel, who carries the ball a ridiculously high number of times. He's close to (if not over) 220 lb, but misses games due to injury every year.
The attrition rate on RBs and WRs over the course of a season is high.
Savage57
August 31, 2024 at 06:43 am
Amazing in this game how quickly a seeming abundance of talent at a position can turn into a scarcity.
The Jones for Jacobs swap will be under the microscope all season, with availability being the primary litmus test of its wisdom.
Rory P Scrotem
August 31, 2024 at 07:40 am
"...with availability being the primary litmus test of its wisdom."
Are you taking about Jones or Jacobs availability?
Green Bay is used to spreading the ball around to
its running backs trying to keep them "all" healthy.
It will be interesting to see if Minnesota
takes special care of Jones the way the Packers
tried to every year.
mrtundra
August 31, 2024 at 07:49 am
Minnesota can haul their injured players, off that turf, better than anyone, in the League. I have no doubt they will tend to Aaron Jones in the same manner they have tended Dalvin Cook and Teddy Bridgewater. It was a nice career, AJ! Sad to see it end, in Minnesota.
Savage57
August 31, 2024 at 10:14 am
Both, comparatively.
stockholder
August 31, 2024 at 07:47 am
Pressure? Try No excuses.
I’ve heard nothing but Jordan Love this,
Jordan Love that, since Gute traded Rodgers.
Rodgers said Relax-
It’s on Jordan Love now. Period.
Speculation is what Gute wanted.
When he didn’t keep Jones.
So much for guarantees.
The pressure is on MLF.
He changed the Defense.
And must deal with whatever comes at him,
in roster changes and injuries.
Because as we all know.
Gute doesn’t believe in chemistry.
Oppy
August 31, 2024 at 07:58 am
There's more 'chemistry' in this locker room than there has been for almost a decade.
Your hero became toxic and was removed from a team that desperately needed retooled, rebuilt, and reloaded- a team that had become stagnant, held hostage by its QB who forgot that the team is a group effort and got a little too big for his britches.
Gutekunst pruned for growth. The tree is blossoming. This is truly a team that is connected and cares for each other. All is well, except for your head space.
It's tragic that you won't allow yourself to enjoy the most promising window the Packers have had in almost 15 years, and it makes me downright angry we all have to listen to you shit on it at every turn.
porupack
August 31, 2024 at 08:31 am
I think what Stockholder wants is for Jordan Love to tell people to R-E-L-A-X. Stockholder is having a hard time dealing with pressure.
I agree with Stockholder that Chemistry is a nice field of study, polymers, refractants, negative ions. I can see how the chemical chart would help the locker room so everyone would know their propensity to reaction.
stockholder
August 31, 2024 at 10:21 am
The point is the pressure is on MLF.
If you want a snow job.
Don't read my comments.
From Day one, it's been -
The glory of Gute.
Get off the assumptions.
("Your Assumptions especially about #12.")
He did his best to win.
If you hate Rodgers that much.
You must be a Bears fan.
MM is gone. TT had mental problems.
- Gute wasn't given full control.
Toxic ? Rodgers asked to be traded.
He became the target.
Look how this team keeps changing.
I'll cheer the packers all the way.
I enjoy a good game.
I'll praise them if they DON"T GIVE UP.
Gute doesn't have TTs rabbit foot.
He should not be ex-empt from criticism.
So put your anger where the sun doesn't shine.
TKWorldWide
August 31, 2024 at 11:09 am
Looks Like.
Some-one “needs”.
A hug. 🤗
Packers0808
August 31, 2024 at 11:23 am
Talking about mental problems. How appropriate.
Oppy
August 31, 2024 at 02:40 pm
Can you help define what the earmarks of a move that is “for the glory of Gute” for me? It sure seems lto my untrained eye that these “ glory of gute” moves often resemble the acts of GM attempting to build a young roster with a large window to make a push for multiple opportunities at! Lombardi trophies.
stockholder
August 31, 2024 at 03:48 pm
I use it for a GM who uses players up.
I still feel Rodgers should have retired a packer.
Gute wants money to build a roster.
He spends to make up for mistakes now.
Regardless how you look at " his all in."
Gute should never be granted total Control.
I doubt the packers will ever win a super-bowl
with Gute as GM.
He's hurt to many players who only wanted to retire/BE
a packer.
Oppy
August 31, 2024 at 04:40 pm
“He wants money to build a roster.”
yeah, that’s what every GM in the NFL does. They get paid to build and manage rosters.
Rodgers, by your own account, “wanted to be traded”, so I guess he’s not on the list of players that big ‘ol meanie Gutekunst shipped out who “just wanted to retire a packer.”
You seem to confuse doing what is in the best interests of the Green Bay packers with “using players up.”
Professional sports is a tough business. Players are the last people to believe it’s time to hang up the cleats. It’s an admission that they are aging and that they are no longer top dog. It’s a young man’s sport and time marches on. If you’d leave the decision up to the player, they’d be playing into their 40’s while younger, better players would ride pine.
Perhaps you’re not cut out to be a GM. It’s a tough job to do whats best for the team and put aside the sentimental attachments. And that’s fine, it just makes you a fan. So you’re not cut out to be an executive. That’s okay, too. Not everyone has what it takes to be the rudder of a successful NFL Team… but that doesn’t mean you have to vilify those that are.
stockholder
August 31, 2024 at 05:43 pm
Cheap Ted.
He never over spent .
And he sure didn't extend players so he could
play hardball or cut others.
While Gute spent to bing us the smiths, Amos, etc.
He now spends to make up for Savage, failures at Lb.
and injuries.
Example: And what about A. Jones?
Rodgers is a Hall of Fame QB.
Drafting his backup when there were other holes -
It is what it is. Your replacement is more important.
Like the dolphins Marino.
The packers wasted his best years.
I
Bitternotsour
August 31, 2024 at 04:55 pm
Please list these altruistic GM's who are not "using players up".
Brother John Schneider shipped out Russel Wilson, Richard Sherman, Bobby Wagner, etc.
That bastard in Detroit had the audacity to trade Matthew Stafford, and those cheap liars in LA traded that nice boy Jared Goff who got them to a SUPER BOWL!
So anyway, who are these guys who you revere?
stockholder
August 31, 2024 at 05:52 pm
Is Gute teaching anyone how to win?
Stafford isn't a Hall of fame QB
All were over -paid.
TKWorldWide
August 31, 2024 at 06:29 pm
Not a leg to stand on.
barutanseijin
September 01, 2024 at 01:18 am
You’re right! Rodgers should have said “no mas” after that miserable night against the Niners.
Oppy
September 01, 2024 at 06:37 am
There was yearly roster churn under Ted Thompson no different than there’s yearly roster churn under Gutekunst. All teams operate with both a salary cap and a floor..
You seem to ignore thompson’s rebuild years and only focus on his maintenance/window years. Thompson most certainly cleaned house when he rebuilt and there were numerous people who despise the moves and never really forgave TT for it. Once again, much like Favre to Rodgers under TT mirroring Rodgers to Loveunder Gutekunst- we’ve seen this before and those fans who are observant have learned what to expect from the cycle. Others, like yourself, are unable to see the big picture. You didn’t pay attention the last time and now you’re kicking and screaming like you’ve never seen this movie play out before.
stockholder
September 01, 2024 at 07:08 am
I'm not ignoring anything.
It's all history now.
Rodgers is a hall of fame QB.
You want to ignore that.
And thats whats just plain wrong.
jannesbjornson
September 01, 2024 at 11:15 am
Yes ,he should have gotten more value moving Rodgers out East for 4-5 plays.
Oppy
September 01, 2024 at 03:32 pm
Exactly!
While we may differ on this opinion, I believe Murphy was standing in the way of Gutekunst moving Rodgers on the timeline Gutekubst would have preferred.
I think if you look at how the roster was built and the scheduling of these moves, Gutekunst fully intended for Rodgers be be out the door a full 2-3 years prior perhaps.
It may have well turned out to be better for Love’s development the way it did play, however, I don’t think Gutekunst would have signed off on a number of the aging vet extensions (void year bookkeeping tricks) to hold together the old boys club he was clearly interested in moving on from. I believe Russ Ball was answering directly to Mm’s direction- whose ear I believe was being bent by Rodgers up until the 2022 season.
Bitternotsour
September 01, 2024 at 04:09 pm
I think Love would have benefitted playing 1 year earlier. It would have lessened the guesswork of his contract extension, and possibly saved the club some money. At this point it's conjecture and water under the bridge.
Gutekunst is a planner. He like Ted before him executes the plan.
LambeauPlain
August 31, 2024 at 10:42 am
A definition of "chemistry":
The elements (Players, Coaches, Staff, Front Office) of a complex entity (Green Bay Packers and its History) and their dynamic interrelation (Aligned Mission, Strategy, Tactics to Win Football Games).
The youngest team in the NFL is loaded with players with a lot in common: Around the same age, sporting successful college careers while being top athletes with solid character, team leaders & captains.
Character and leadership ability are key attributes Team Gutey selects for along with talent and solid college resumes. They like team leaders in their locker room. Gutey and Matt talk about it all the time.
Many of us have seen many (for me, more than I want to admit) preseasons. This one feels different. I agree with you Oppy...this team seems very aligned...digging the same tunnel, so to speak.
Packers0808
August 31, 2024 at 11:20 am
Nope since Headcase is gone the Pack is actually a team again and not one man show. PERIOD!
barutanseijin
August 31, 2024 at 11:27 am
Famous chemist Aaron Rodgers, known for mixing well with his coaches and young receivers. Very receptive to telephonic bonds with GMs. Very chemical, very professional.
porupack
August 31, 2024 at 08:24 am
Pressure I suppose. Expectations are certainly elevated when getting the huge contract and QB pay is so distorted to the rest of the team. When the game clock starts, no one thinks about salary. They are dialed in to the game. The pressure will be increased simply because he has to back up last year's ending, and sustain it, and that teams will be in better position to game plan and find his weaknesses. Starting any pro football game at the most important position is pressure. Coming in last year after sitting behind Rodgers after he heard so much criticism for being drafted (no fault of his own), and having to "justify" Gute's pick.....that was pressure. He handled it with poise. He is likely to handle whatever salary pressure on post game interview through Saturday.
Hey, dial it back on the receiver corps. Absolute nightmare? I love the corps. The beauty is that they have proven to be almost equal 1B or WR2 talent 5 deep....so it will be a challenge for the opposing CB3, safety or LB which the pack should find success. There are other teams with more top end talent 2 and 3 deep...and kind of nightmarish....but teams still are able to defend that....(think SF Aiyuk and Samuels with Kittle). Greenbay didn't have the cold sweats during the game, crying for mama at halftime. The only team that might evoke "absolute nightmares" is the Chiefs. Take another peek at their depth chart.
D_Dave_Wittmann
August 31, 2024 at 08:27 am
I'd rather be "thin" with Wilson than "fat" with Dillon!
LeotisHarris
August 31, 2024 at 08:53 am
Welcome to Saturday Morning Free Association with Cory. Today's episode: Creating Drama with Intrusive Thoughts.
TKWorldWide
August 31, 2024 at 09:18 am
How about “Making (a story about)Love Out of Nothing At All”? Air Supply?
barutanseijin
August 31, 2024 at 11:33 am
I’ll take “Trolling for Clicks” for $800
stockholder
August 31, 2024 at 02:25 pm
Creating Drama with Intrusive Thoughts-
They could be writing about the New
NFLs Artificial Intelligence challenge, with AWS.
.
NFLfan
August 31, 2024 at 09:36 am
Packers were perceived as an 'after-thought', re-build team last year. As another poster commented, opposing teams will now be much more focused on disruption. As a fanbase, I think we should give Jordan grace as the pressure will inevitably increase and will require adjustment.
Bitternotsour
August 31, 2024 at 04:34 pm
What a reach that is. There is no such thing as an afterthought in the NFL. Opposing teams are always focused on winning - underdog or favorite.
Underestimating is the realm of the pundit and the announcer, pro football players play pro football.
NFLfan
September 01, 2024 at 12:06 am
@Bitter-I have asked you to stop commenting on my posts x 3. Next time I'm reporting you.
Bitternotsour
September 01, 2024 at 02:47 pm
To whom, the authorities? Your mom? Can I expect a knock on my door.
Seriously, have I commented on your inanity previously? If so, well I guess this is a public forum, and as such I'll keep commenting publicly.
WD
August 31, 2024 at 10:30 am
Wilson has always looked great.......in preseason.
GregC
August 31, 2024 at 10:49 am
He only has 14 regular season carries under his belt, but he averaged 6.1 yards per carry. That's good enough for me.
LambeauPlain
August 31, 2024 at 10:59 am
"Wilson has always looked great.......in preseason."
Very true....and also looked great running behind 2nd and 3rd team lineman.
He has what AJD does not have...vision, very quick feet and excellent balance (more Jones than Dillon). He does not have Dillion's unique combination of power, strength, and speed...although EW is solid in all three: 5' 10" packing 225 lbs.
I make it a focus to watch Wilson's after contact yards. He squeezes 1-3 yards, on his own, almost every carry because as tacklers collapse around him, he sees the best landing spot, gets low and charges into it with feet pounding.
His running style is fun to watch.
And I do not believe the loss of AJD changes Matt's season strategy one Iota. Like Haf, Matt is going to attack each opponent differently.
TKWorldWide
August 31, 2024 at 11:44 am
Good points.
But I wonder who this 2nd and 3rd team lineman is.
Leatherhead
August 31, 2024 at 11:13 am
Pressure? Having a wife, a mistress, and a mortgage, all two months past due.......that's pressure.
This is Love's second year as a starter.
This is the sixth year of Gutekunst/ LaFleur
This is Murphy's 17th, and final year.
I think we have a real good team this year. If we can protect Love, we're going to score plenty of points and win plenty of games. If we don't protect him, it's not his fault. If we protect him, and he doesn't get the job done, then we'll have an interesting offseason.
Packers0808
August 31, 2024 at 11:29 am
Know I will get slaughtered for this comment, but get Bakh back in the cheap as a back up. Has to be better at tackle than what we have now. Love will be just fine barring any injury.
barutanseijin
August 31, 2024 at 11:37 am
C’mon. If the guy could play, somebody would have signed him by now.
Packers0808
August 31, 2024 at 11:46 am
I am sure most likely everyone is afraid to take a shot with him. Like I said on the cheap.
13TimeChamps
August 31, 2024 at 02:56 pm
First off, how do you know he would be willing to come back "on the cheap" and be a backup at this point in his life?
But more importantly, what are you basing "Has to be better at tackle than what we have now" on exactly? Our starting tackles are just fine. Rasheed Walker is 24, Zach Tom is 25. Both are ascending players. Bahk turns 33 in a month, and I can probably count on one hand the number of games he has played in the last 3 years. Is he better than our current back-ups? What difference does it make if he can't play?
David Bahktiari had a great career pre-injury. This is a young man's game in a replacement league. Believe me, he's not coming back, cheap or any other way.
LeotisHarris
August 31, 2024 at 03:40 pm
Keep in mind, this is the same guy who screamed for Sean Clifford to replace Love early last season because Clifford "couldn't do any worse."
As we grow into our golden years, it's common for people to seek comfort in the familiar. Our fellow Packers fan has fond memories of Bahktiari as our LT. He's just trying to help.
13TimeChamps
August 31, 2024 at 04:11 pm
Unfortunately, about the only thing golden about these years we find ourselves in is the color of my pee when I get up 3-4 times a night.
Bitternotsour
August 31, 2024 at 04:30 pm
Uninterrupted sleep is so overrated.
Packers0808
August 31, 2024 at 05:15 pm
Maybe you do, I am 79 and don't.
Packers0808
August 31, 2024 at 05:14 pm
Keep in mind I SAID AS A BACK UP< NOT STARTER.
Packers0808
August 31, 2024 at 05:16 pm
And at the time he couldn't. Remember Packers were 2-5 at time.
Packers0808
August 31, 2024 at 05:21 pm
And as you noted I said Backup, nothing about starter. We have what Dillard a failure so far his career from what is said about him. And exactly how much experience do the other to. And to this time seeing no one wants him how exactly do you know he wouldn't come back on the cheap. You are projecting just as I am. No one knows except him if someone offers. What is wrong with people, can't anyone understand anything said today w/o elaborating thinking they are Karnac the Great? It was question and opinion.
NFLfan
September 01, 2024 at 12:54 am
I think Bakh might be good for 3-4 grass field games. He would not get much more than vet minimum.
Packers0808
September 01, 2024 at 07:27 am
What I was referring to cheap and back up. And if he has more in the tank, cream on top.
aberk
September 01, 2024 at 08:30 am
I highly doubt that Matt Lefleur is going to lessen the running the game and game play pass, pass, pass.
ImaPayne2
September 01, 2024 at 10:55 am
One thing about these high QB contracts, most of them get the last laugh. Hey if Love falls on his face he gets to keep the money. Probably what Jerry Jones understands all too well, give the farm to Dak and then what, hope he gets better? Has he really earned that kind of money. Allen of the Bills is a failure. He cant win in the playoffs and is over rated but he gets paid.
A teacher who gets a pay raise doesnt start teaching better.
The real issue is the agents are driving this market and know how to negotiate with an NFL loaded with money to burn. IF they could get a 100 mil for a receiver they would. They dont care about the team. Thats why I dont care about who gets what, in the end only a few teams like KC get their moneys worth. Given what MaHomes has done he should be getting three times what any other QB is getting because, he alone deserves it.