Cory's Corner: The Key To Next Season Is Simple: Offensive Line Continuity
Keeping Jordan Love upright isn't just good for his health, it helps the offense.
When people talk about the ceiling of the Green Bay Packers, the conversation usually starts with skill players and ends with the quarterback. It’s about playmakers, defensive growth, and whether the roster is “ahead of schedule.” But the real swing factor in Green Bay’s season might be far less glamorous.
It’s the offensive line — and more specifically, its continuity.
We’ve seen enough of Jordan Love to understand a simple truth: he is a dramatically different passer when he operates from a clean pocket versus when he’s forced off his spot.
When kept clean, Love looks like a top-tier distributor. His mechanics stay compact. His base stays firm. His timing within structure — especially on deep crossers and outbreaking routes — is decisive. With protection, his passer rating jumps significantly, his yards per attempt climb, and his turnover-worthy plays drop. The ball comes out on schedule, and the offense hums.
In a clean pocket, Love completed 79.6 percent of his passes this year with 23 touchdowns and only two picks. It was the same story last year with a completion rate of 70.1 to go along with 18 touchdowns and six picks. Ever since Love became a regular starter in 2023, he has completed 72.5 of his passes from a clean pocket with 64 touchdowns and 15 picks.
But when hurried? The efficiency dips. The footwork gets wider. His internal clock speeds up. Like most quarterbacks not named Mahomes, Love’s production under pressure declines sharply. Completion percentage falls. Decision-making becomes riskier. Explosive plays give way to scramble drills and throwaways.
In 2025, Love only completed 41.6 percent of his passes when under pressure. In three years, he has completed 45.9 of his passes, thrown 16 touchdowns and tossed 13 interceptions from a muddy pocket.
That’s not an indictment. It’s reality in the modern National Football League. Pressure changes everything.
“Any quarterback will tell you it’s easier when the pocket’s clean,” said Love. “But in this league, you’ve got to make throws with people around you. That’s the difference.”
Which is why continuity up front is the hidden hinge of Green Bay’s season.
The Packers have talent along the offensive line. They’ve invested draft capital. They’ve developed versatility. But talent alone doesn’t guarantee stability. Communication — especially against today’s disguise-heavy defensive fronts — requires reps. Combo blocks require trust. Pass-off responsibilities against stunts and simulated pressures require chemistry that only comes from playing together.
When the line shuffles weekly due to injuries or experimentation, protection calls get murkier. Depth gets tested. The pocket gets muddier.
And muddy pockets neutralize quarterback growth.
For a young passer still refining his anticipatory throws and post-snap processing, consistency up front isn’t a luxury — it’s oxygen. The difference between second-and-6 and second-and-12 isn’t just field position. It’s playbook freedom. It’s staying out of obvious passing downs where edge rushers pin their ears back.
The Packers don’t need a top-five offensive line to contend. They need a healthy, cohesive one.
Because here’s the bigger picture: Love doesn’t need chaos to create. He thrives in rhythm. He thrives when his first read is available and his feet can stay married to the play design. A stable offensive line doesn’t just protect him — it accelerates him.
And if Green Bay wants to find out what its true offensive ceiling is this season, the formula isn’t complicated.
Keep the pocket clean.
Keep the combinations consistent.
Keep the communication intact.
Continuity up front won’t generate headlines. It won’t trend on social media. But it might quietly determine whether this team is competitive in December — or dangerous in January.
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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 (40)
Savage57
March 03, 2026 at 06:22 am
In a related story, water is wet.
I know it's a news desert these days, but really?
EricTorkelson
March 03, 2026 at 07:43 am
I get it Savage, but lets give him credit for the time, the stats and research put into it...
Since'75
March 03, 2026 at 03:27 pm
Cory's a big boy.
Being a sports writer puts you out there, good or bad.
Since'75
March 03, 2026 at 03:28 pm
"Keeping Jordan Love upright isn't just good for his health, it helps the offense."
Things i gotta write down.
T7Steve
March 03, 2026 at 06:42 am
Cory, have you been reading up on my posts?
The only key to a healthy offense is the O-line. It not only helps Love stay upright, but it also keeps Jacobs healthy and on the field running the ball, which helps the line and Love even more.
Keep the continuity and things will snowball on from there.
As opposed to Savage57 above, you can't overstate the importance, and I don't care how redundant, the Packers need to get this right.
Following closely is the D-line. Maybe next week.
TKWorldWide
March 03, 2026 at 07:01 am
When unrestricted free agency started, offensive linemen’s pay skyrocketed. I wonder why?
(Actually, I don’t wonder. I was being facetious.)
I’ll take cohesion and health for the o-line in 2026, Alex.
T7Steve
March 03, 2026 at 07:13 am
You don't want them to rotate and get everyone playing ok everywhere on the line? You want them to find the guy who plays best at his spot and the guys next to him, not just anywhere?
If you get your wish, it may free up a tight end or two to catch passes now and then. Revolutionary!
Cheezehead72
March 03, 2026 at 08:31 am
I agree. I wonder if a lot of this is caused by the coaches trying to put the 5 best players on the field and getting away from considering the position. Yes the later might mean a better player is sitting the bench.
T7Steve
March 03, 2026 at 08:52 am
It may be ok that way, it just seems that they're experimenting because even later in the season they don't know who the best at a given position is. Why is that and who is it on?
TKWorldWide
March 03, 2026 at 08:54 am
Bulaga and Tauscher were both critical of the intentional rotating of players along the line. That’s good enough for me.
EricTorkelson
March 03, 2026 at 11:46 am
Wasn't it Tauscher and Clifton ?
T7Steve
March 03, 2026 at 12:08 pm
I don't think those guys are still playing so it probably won't work the same. Might be different coaches too.
WestCoastPackerBacker
March 03, 2026 at 09:42 am
Much or most of the rotation was due to injuries though. GB has almost always had some backups that could plug and play and you would hardly notice the difference. Guys like Lucas Patrick and Lane Taylor. Both undrafted and both good backups who ended up as starters for the latter part of their careers. Patrick was still playing last season though he’s been injured almost every year. But where are those guys? They either aren’t finding them or aren’t developing them the way Ted and Campy could.
Since'75
March 03, 2026 at 03:44 pm
" You want them to find the guy who plays best at his spot and the guys next to him, not just anywhere?"
************
Listen...."I want them to 'KNOW' who the best guys are to begin with, and at what position.
The time for experimenting is mini camps, voluntary's, OTA's and pre-season.
Before week one.....when they switched Jenkins to center, i said it was stupid, multiple times.
Don't fix what wasn't broke.
Now...that the season is over, almost everyone is saying it.
Gute whiffed on Banks (for the money).
Walker wasn't the player he was, without Jenkins next to him (it matters).
Some think Belton is a bench player.
I don't know...if the Packers even know (for sure), what they are going to do with Morgan.
Tom unfortunately got hurt, and played hurt.
The O line 'plan'......was not executed well.
********
I can remember when this team was a player or two away.
Take that as you wish.
marpag1
March 03, 2026 at 07:16 am
Continuity doesn't mean sh!t if you don't have players who perform.
Elgton Jenkins decided he didn't want to play anymore, and when he got hurt and someone else replaced him, the Packers improved.
Rasheed Walker played 94% of the offensive snaps and was a dumpster fire, and the Packer O-line generally sucked because of it.
So much for the continuity theory.
The only case where "continuity" clearly mattered is when Tom went out, and that's because he is a legitimately good player.
if the Packers have great continuity next year and the likes of Jacob Monk or Darian Kinnard play every snap, then the Packers are screwed.
Cheezehead72
March 03, 2026 at 08:38 am
Yes. The problem is that Gute decided to spend big money on Banks in the hope of making the OL more physical and moving Jenkins to center instead of signing a center. Because he spent all that money MLF had to start Banks and move Jenkins.
I wonder how the OL would have been if we signed a good center and started that center or Rhyan at center and kept Jenkins at guard where he wanted to be and did a very good job. That would have provided the continuity at the beginning of the season.
Remember Jenkins held out of preseason claiming he was injured. OL continuity starts at the start of training camp.
WestCoastPackerBacker
March 03, 2026 at 09:47 am
Jenkins has declined from his best days. Not sure it mattered where he played. He was a center in college and had played there a few times for GB when the starter got hurt. He maybe hasn’t been the same since his injury and he’s getting up there in age.
dobber
March 03, 2026 at 10:49 am
Remember when he slid over from LG to LT when Bakh got hurt and we all thought the Packers hit the jackpot?
dblbogey
March 03, 2026 at 02:00 pm
Agree. He was never the same after the ACL. Still better than average but no longer pro bowl material. Now with age and more injuries, he's done. When they drafted him, most said center would be his best position. it didn't help that Jenkins skipped OTA's wanting more money.
Since'75
March 03, 2026 at 03:57 pm
Yea...lets just get rid of Jenkins, he was a fluke at LG.
He's just dead weight, tell him to kick rocks.
I'm sure that is all that ails this line.
**********
Then Love can throw for 4.600 yards, throw 45 TD's and only 6 picks.
I can't wait for week one!!!
In Gute We Trust 🤔
TKWorldWide
March 03, 2026 at 08:57 am
You mean if PeeWee Herman and I took every single rep together at left guard and left tackle, we wouldn’t reach elite status?
Color me shocked!
Yes, of course they need quality players. But I do believe at a certain point that slightly less gifted linemen working cohesively can outperform more talented guys if they are disjointed. Securing the double team, climbing to the second level, handling twists and stunts and all that jazz.
marpag1
March 03, 2026 at 09:42 am
No, I mean that if you and PeeWee Herman lined up for every snap, you still might be better than Rasheed Walker was.
As for “continuity” … It’s kind of like fretting over the high cost of house painting while failing to notice that you don’t own a house.
Freakin’ 80% of last year’s O-line – a full four out of five positions – were smoldering garbage pits, and in the fifth spot Zach Tom could only manage 57% percent of the team’s offensive snaps.
So yes, of course ‘cohesiveness’ and ‘gel’ and ‘whatever’ matters in O-line play. File that under “the least of our O-line concerns.” In the folder marked “the greatest of our O-line concerns,” find the document titled, “We don’t have an O-line.”
As opposed to “continuity” - go ahead and shift Larry Allen to center or put Anthony Munoz at right guard, heck even platoon John Hannah and Gene Upshaw … yeah, I can live with that.
TKWorldWide
March 03, 2026 at 10:32 am
LOL
PeeWee is an underrated cut blocker.
dobber
March 03, 2026 at 10:47 am
I sense some "Weekend at Bernie's" hijinks would be involved here....
EricTorkelson
March 03, 2026 at 07:34 am
Good article CoryJ ... So as you wrote I checked and Love was only sacked 21 times 7th best in the NFL ? As far as pressure the NFL defenses today with multiple speed rushers, which QB does not have to play under pressure. Remember the SuperBowl under duress one QB was mediocre one QB just stunk. Your stats prove Love is good with a clean pocket then to me at times over confidence seems to creep in leading to Loves overexaggerated back foot throws. ( For a young passer refining ) ? come on CoryJ ? Love is going into his seventh year now how much refining does he still need. But yes a consistent, cohesive and healthy line is a must for the Packers in 2026 and it will start with the re-signing S Rhyan.
jannesbjornson
March 03, 2026 at 07:47 am
If these O lineman cannot move with agility, then they cannot call plays to move the pocket. Love has to be given
some flexibility from the people in front of him to buy some time on occasion.
Handsback
March 03, 2026 at 08:01 am
2 things, yes continuity is key no doubt about it. Second and it's something I ask every game....where's the outlet receiver? Every game when the defense is closing in on Love I ask myself don't they have a RB or receiver that is designed to catch the ball when the QB gets rushed? Other teams scheme plays with one and I'm sure Green Bay must do it as well, but is Love not seeing it or the execution not there?
JMHO
sugarbair
March 03, 2026 at 08:03 am
We have one proven O-lineman. He's coming off an injury. (Tom) We also have an OL coach that has not shown an ability to develop players. My comfort level is pretty low. I will definitely be watching what happens. Unfortunately, the DL appears to be in the same boat. I won't mention the CB room. Will be telling watching the roster develop.
lou
March 03, 2026 at 08:16 am
The stats are accurate as is the emphasis on the offensive lines performance. Note on the same trend line that all 3 of the Packers running backs average per carry went down noticeably as well from the previous year. Jimmy Johnson's favorite line was "you win with the Jimmy's and Joe's not the X's and O's. The GM has a lot of holes to fill but he better prioritize both trenches or it will be a long year.
Since'61
March 03, 2026 at 08:25 am
Any offense goes as far as their OL takes them. End of story. Thanks, Since '61
Since'75
March 03, 2026 at 04:24 pm
True True True
*********
Just like......
A team will go as far as a General Manager builds a roster.
NFLfan
March 03, 2026 at 08:34 am
The Packers seem lackadaisical about the state of their O-line, currently. No one knows how Jordan Morgan will perform at LT, Zac Tom will likely require more than 6-7 months to heal from patellar surgery, Sean Rhyan may get more $$ in free agency, Banks was less than stellar, etc. and Butkus remains the OL coach?
I guess they are planning to pull a rabbit out of a hat in later rounds??---very risky, once again. Both Center and LT are not certain.
The current Packers 'situation' illustrates how a team can benefit from an owner. Someone needed to step in to stop this free-fall.
WestCoastPackerBacker
March 03, 2026 at 09:50 am
Glad you edited your post. Otherwise your first sentence told me everything I need to know about your opinion.
LeotisHarris
March 03, 2026 at 08:41 am
"Keeping Jordan Love upright isn't just good for his health, it helps the offense." Have we found our 2026 rallying cry? It's too long for a bumper sticker and it's difficult to find a rhythm for a chant, but let's work with it.
Can continuity and cohesion be achieved with interchangeable parts? My memory takes me back to the Billy Turner for Yosh substitution against the 49ers. There seems to be a plan for our O line that involves magical thinking over continuity. I'm not sure how decisions are made on who starts where, but the results leave me questioning the competence of those in charge.
GPG
EricTorkelson
March 03, 2026 at 12:01 pm
Still obsessing over the Turner for Yosh ( Game time decision ) Leotis ? Hey... Yosh was big enough maybe the Packers should look him up ?
Coldworld
March 03, 2026 at 09:22 am
Same coaches. Same off season imperative. Different result? Unlikely.
GreenandBold
March 03, 2026 at 12:10 pm
“ Like most quarterbacks in the NFL not named Mahomes “ . There are plenty of QBs who preform very well under pressure in the NFL . Unfortunately for the Packers Love is not one of them . He usually leaves us all scratching our heads when heavily pressured . Even Dart and Shough not to mention Williams all younger and less experienced than Love seem to be better under pressure . Don’t give Love any excuses or blame the OL . Both need to improve and quickly if Green Bay is going to compete for a Super Bowl . Pressure gets ramped up in the Playoffs no coincidence the Packers are one and down recently .
Oxymoron 3339
March 03, 2026 at 03:18 pm
“The Packers don’t need a top-five offensive line to contend. They need a healthy, cohesive one.”
We still need a top 10 offensive line though. I think we should let Jenkins, Walker and Rhyan go.
Jenkins showed his age vs the Eagles in the playoffs. We can’t afford to keep him. Walker and Rhyan aren’t worth the money they will be offered elsewhere.
Please don’t talk about moving Tom to Center. If we move him it’s to LT.
In free agency or the Draft we need a Center, Guard and Tackle.
We need 8 guys including a swing tackle.
Let’s be honest, we have to be able to run the ball.
Tundraboy
March 04, 2026 at 02:21 am
I don't have any answers and I'm not sure the coaches have any answers. Injuries clearly derailed a lot last year, but we put a lot of people in positions they weren't always comfortable with, drafted for, or good at. Seems like too much experimentation, like with Morgan in the name of flexibility, has created a mess.
Not sure if they even have a plan but what used to be a strength is no longer.
ThinkBig
March 04, 2026 at 12:06 pm
As Lombardi said....What the hell is going on? Discipline & poor performance! Butkus & Stenovich have been an absolute joke! Cross training Jordan was an absolute failure....switching Jenkins to center? MAJOR FAILURE! (Jenkins sucked in his limited play against Phil in the Playoffs before getting hurt) Paying all that money to Banks....Gute WTF? Walker was a complete Fail = GOODBYE. The Coaches failed this team...including Lafleur.
Now the Biggest fail = defensive tackle.....how many time did the Packers lose in the trenches? How many times did the Packers Defense fail on 3rd or 4th down & long or how many times did the defensive line allow the ball to to be run down our throats or run the clock out?
The team lacks discipline & accountability! The Chicago Playoff game is a perfect example & a complete embarrassment & no accountability......What the Hell is going on?