Jordan Love is the answer at QB. Now, about everything else…
The Packers only have themselves to blame for trotting Joe Barry out as DC.
One of Ted Thompson’s greatest moments was when the Green Bay Packers general manager poked fun at his own tendency to say absolutely nothing. At the NFL Combine, Thompson joked that he could go full George Costanza and do the opposite of what everyone expects. Spill all trade secrets. Yes, those close to Thompson insist his sense of humor was A+. Even Brett Favre used to slug beers with him in the 90s.
Turns out, the Packers actually do have quite a bit of Costanza to them.
They’re terrible at breaking up.
Hanging onto Aaron Rodgers a year too long cost them multiple first-round picks. Imagine where this Jordan Love-led team is today with a minimum of three firsts and without the $40 million in dead money tied up in an aging, ornery quarterback. Gutekunst finally did the right thing and shipped Rodgers off — that took guts. But even though you knew here at Go Long that the Packers were finished with Rodgers in mid-February, they followed George’s infamous “it’s not you, it’s me” routine in the court of public opinion. Ultra, ultra careful to tip toe through this all. You can bet Love would’ve asked for a trade if they kowtowed again.
It was messy. But an agreement was reached with the New York Jets.
Now, it should be clear to even the most vocal cynics that Love can play. A November surge effectively cemented him as the Packers starter in 2024 and, likely, beyond. Through this 7-8 season, the first-year starter has thrown for 3,587 yards and 27 touchdowns with another 246 rushing yards and three scores. Love has always possessed the qualities you cannot coach. He’s mentally tough, athletic, a diligent worker and has a live arm. Accuracy is coachable.
But the only way the Packers can fully maximize their third franchise quarterback since 1992 is with another breakup.
They should’ve replaced defensive coordinator Joe Barry last offseason.
They should’ve done it again when the Packers’ defense caved in September.
They’ve now got no choice but to do it ASAP. Matt LaFleur only has himself to blame for letting this charade play out.