Packers Preseason Preview: Quarterback

Starting Quarterback: Aaron Rodgers

The unquestioned starting quarterback of the Green Bay Packers is future Hall of Famer, Aaron Rodgers. In 2019, Rodgers surpassed 4,000 yards passing for the eighth time in his career. He threw 26 touchdown passes against just four interceptions. His 0.7 interception percentage (the number of times he was intercepted when attempting a pass) led the NFL for the second season in a row. 2019 was his first year in a new offense, and there were growing pains. At times, the offense lacked the fluidity that Packers’ fans have been so accustomed to. However, Rodgers led the Packers to a 13-3 record and a trip to the NFC title game.

Matt LaFleur’s offense is a run-first scheme, which is much different than what Rodgers was accustomed to under Mike McCarthy. Rodgers, though, can benefit from this scheme as it will provide him with more opportunities for down-field passes after play action fakes.

Much has been speculated about Rodgers’s relationship with the Packers after their drafting of Jordan Love. Many expect Rodgers to be hands-off with Love, giving him the same treatment Rodgers received from Brett Favre. However, in a conference call with reporters, Rodgers revealed that he has already contacted Love and is looking forward to working with him. He pointed to his past relationships with his other backups, all of which have been positive. Admittedly, Rodgers was surprised by the pick and was not really a fan of it. He did say, though, that Love did not ask to be drafted by the Packers and he will not treat him any differently than any of these other backups. Rodgers plays best with a chip on his shoulder. The Love pick adds further motivation for Aaron to be his best. Look for 2020 to be one of his best seasons.

The Rookie Quarterback: Jordan Love

Is Jordan Love the successor to Aaron Rodgers? Only time will tell. Rodgers has four years left on his contract and has stated that he plans to play well into his 40’s. He has said, though, that it no longer is in his control of whether or not that happens with the Packers.

For his part, Jordan Love could be a very good NFL quarterback. His scouting report leading up to the draft indicated that he would need two-four years as a backup before being an effective starter. For Love, there is no better place to be for this than Green Bay.

Love’s 2019 season was not as good as his first two collegiate years. He had 3,402 yards passing to go along with 20 touchdowns and 17 interceptions. It should be noted that 2019 was his first season with a new coach and many new starters on offense. A better picture of his potential is his 2018 season. During that campaign, he had 3,567 yards passing with 32 touchdowns and just six interceptions. He certainly has a lot of potential.

It makes sense to expect Love, a first round pick, to begin the season as the Packers’ backup quarterback. Given the recent history of poor backups, Love can be a valuable addition to the Packers right away, even if he does not start for a while.

Will He Make the Team: Tim Boyle

Tim Boyle spent the 2019 season as the Packers’ backup quarterback. He did not see very much time, completing three of his four pass attempts for 15 passing yards. A pillar of the community, Boyle has done a lot of charity work in the Green Bay area, especially with sick, hospitalized children. The drafting of Jordan Love likely means Boyle will not be the team’s backup in 2020. He may make the team should the Packers choose to carry three quarterbacks on their roster, though that may not happen.

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