On wild-card weekend, the Green Bay Packers weren’t predicted to defeat the Dallas Cowboys, and they weren’t even favored to completely outplay the 12-win Dallas club and win by a score of 48–32.
This season, the Packers weren’t expected to make it to the playoffs. It was believed to be Green Bay’s “growing year” experiment. The New York Jets had just received four-time MVP and future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers, and general manager Brian Gutekunst had just let the Packers see what they had in Jordan Love, his replacement.
Additionally, it appeared as though they would not have much for the season’s first quarter. Early on, Love had difficulty, and the Packers “raced off” to a 2–5 lead.
But sometime in early November, Love had a lightbulb moment, and the Packers offense, led by him, have been unstoppable ever since.
Never was that more apparent than when Love entered Jerry Jones’ masterwork and created his own during the playoffs against Dallas. He looked to be in total control of the offense the entire time, completing 16 of 21 passes for 272 yards and three touchdowns. He also showed off his extraordinary talent on several occasions.
You could have sworn that Aaron Rodgers, or even a young Brett Favre, was still the Packers’ under center if you were squinting. Love has turned into a fat joke.
Though Love’s rise to fame will have a greater effect on Green Bay’s future because, if he is still “figuring it out,” then what will he look like in the upcoming season and beyond?
That applies to the offense surrounding him as much as it does to him. With young playmakers like Luke Musgrave (rookie), Dontayvion Wicks (rookie), Christian Watson (second season), Romeo Doubs (second season), Tucker Kraft (rookie), and Matt LaFleur (head coach), the team is currently winning.
It makes sense that the core group of youthful, inexpensive talent will only get better as Love rises.
