The Green Bay Packers entered the 2024 season following a playoff exit in the divisional round in 2023, with quarterback Jordan Love’s statistical output showing declines in several areas compared to his debut as the starter. This sparked debate about whether Love had regressed as a quarterback this year. Despite this, the Packers finished with an improved 11-6 record, raising questions about how to evaluate Love’s overall impact amid the criticism.
Coach and Quarterback Respond to Claims of Regression
Head coach Matt LaFleur highlighted that Love’s lower numbers were partly due to time missed from knee and groin injuries during the season. Love himself dismissed the idea that he had taken a step backward, emphasizing team success over individual statistics. Speaking through Ryan Wood of PackersNews.com, Love said,
“What is a step back, is what I’d ask, Everybody has different opinions, things like that. You’ve got to block that stuff out. It’s all about the goals of the team. At the end of the day, I’d say we won more games than we did the year before. So that’s why I ask people, what is a step back? Everybody has opinions and things like that, you try to block that out and just focus on doing me, being the best player I can be and go forward. At the end of the day, personal stats and things like that, that’s all in the back. You’ve got to focus on goals of the team first and foremost.”
—Jordan Love
Statistical Evidence Supports Both Views
While Love’s touchdown numbers and overall yards fell, other metrics suggest improvement in efficiency. In 2024, his passer rating and yards per attempt increased compared to the previous season, and he notably avoided throwing interceptions in the final seven games of the regular season. These factors indicate that Love’s performance cannot be judged solely on volume statistics.
Future Prospects and Expected Developments
Looking ahead to 2025, the Packers aim to build on their 11-6 record and move beyond a low NFC playoff seeding. Continued consistency and team success should help resolve the ongoing debate regarding Love’s development. As the quarterback gains more experience and remains healthy, both his individual stats and the Packers’ success will be key indicators for fans and analysts evaluating his growth.