Packers' Jordan Love Needs to 'Continue to Evolve as a Vocal Leader,' HC LaFleur Says
Jan 14, 2025
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 12: Quarterback Jordan Love #10 of the Green Bay Packers prepares to take the field prior to a game against the Philadelphia Eagles during the NFC Wild Card Playoff at Lincoln Financial Field on January 12, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
Following the conclusion of Jordan Love's second full season as the Green Bay Packers starting quarterback, head coach Matt LaFleur pointed out an area he wants to see Love grow in this offseason.
"I think the next step is just to continue to evolve as a vocal leader," LaFleur said on Tuesday, per ESPN's Rob Demovsky.
Love has developed well during his four years in the NFL, and quarterbacks coach Tom Clements was a big reason for his early success. Love will now be tasked with his first season as a start without Clements, who retired on Tuesday.
The longtime Packers' assistant coached legendary quarterbacks Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers during his time with Green Bay.
LaFleur had high praise for Love, calling him an "ascending player" despite taking a step back in 2024. LaFleur now just wants to see Love get to the next step as a leader, and he belives he has what it takes.
"I think that just kind of comes with the position naturally," LaFleur said. "I think he's taken steps to get there, but I think he can really demand a lot because the locker room respects him. And they respect him not only as a person but by the work he puts in. He's a grinder. He's one of the guys; I think that's one of his best qualities is he is one of the guys.
"They all respect him, but I think, when things aren't quite right, I think he can voice that as well. When guys aren't quite doing what they're supposed to be doing, and he's one of the guys to talk to [them] about that. I just think it means more when it comes from your quarterback than it does from me or one of our other coaches."
Love had 4,159 passing yards, 32 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 2023, leading the Packers to the division round where they fell to the San Francisco 49ers. This season, Love missed two games early in the year but threw for 3,389 yards, 25 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.
He ended his season on a disappointing note, throwing three picks in a wild-card loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. He'll now attack the offseason looking to grow both as a player and as a leader.
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - DECEMBER 29: Keisean Nixon #25 of the Green Bay Packers looks on during a game between the Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 29, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Getty Images)
Green Bay Packers cornerback Keisean Nixon also excels as the team's return specialist, but he's no longer interested in performing double duties going forward.
After the Packers' 22-10 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Wild Card Round on Sunday, Nixon made it clear that he doesn't want to be used as a return specialist anymore.
"I'm kind of over it," Nixon during Monday's exit interviews, per The Athletic's Matt Schneidman. "I don't really want to do it no more. There's going to be talks with the coaching staff and stuff like that, but I think it's over with for me."
"I want to be CB1," he added. "CB1 is not doing kick returns. That's just what it is."
Nixon recorded career highs of 88 total tackles, seven passes defended, three sacks and three forced fumbles while also adding an interception this season, so perhaps he should have his wishes granted. Still, it's hard to overlook his skills as a returner.
Nixon was named first-team All-Pro in 2022 and 2023 after leading the NFL in kick return yards in both seasons. This year, he ranked sixth in the league.
Despite his prowess at the position, Nixon committed a major blunder in Sunday's game when he lost a fumble on the opening kickoff, leading to a quick touchdown for the Eagles. The Packers were unable to fight back from the early deficit.
PACKERS FUMBLE ON THE OPENING KICKOFF AND THE EAGLES HAVE THE BALL 😱
With Nixon going public about his feelings, it would be a surprise if he's still deployed as a returner for Green Bay in 2025, but he will need to back up his declarations about being the team's No. 1 cornerback.
NFL Insider: 'Expect' Packers 'to Be in the Tee Higgins Hunt' After Loss to Eagles
Jan 13, 2025
CINCINNATI, OHIO - DECEMBER 1: Wide receiver Tee Higgins #5 of the Cincinnati Bengals gets set during the second half of an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, at Paycor Stadium on December 1, 2024 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Todd Rosenberg/Getty Images)
The Green Bay Packers will reportedly covet wide receiver Tee Higgins in free agency.
Following a 22-10 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in their Wild Card Round playoff matchup on Sunday, ESPN's Ben Solak mentioned the Packers as a team to "expect" to be "in the Tee Higgins hunt" and could package a receiver such as Romeo Doubs in a trade for a star wideout if the team isn't successful in free agency.
Injuries to Green Bay's wide receiver room hurt the offense during its playoff loss, as Doubs and Jayden Reed both left the game due to a possible concussion and shoulder injury, respectively.
Christian Watson was already ruled out ahead of the contest after suffering a torn ACL in Week 18.
Green Bay's receivers have been consistent, but a true top option for quarterback Jordan Love has yet to emerge. No Packers player reached 900 receiving yards during the regular season despite the team owning the league's No. 12 passing attack.
While Higgins has operated as the No. 2 wideout on the Cincinnati Bengals next to star Ja'Marr Chase, he's shown that he can thrive in an expanded role.
He's surpassed 1,000 yards in two of the first five seasons of his career, with at least five touchdown receptions in every year.
Green Bay has $51.3 million in cap space to pursue him during the offseason, via Over the Cap.
Following a swift postseason exit, the Packers would immediately give Love an elite weapon if they sign Higgins.
Josh Jacobs: 'Ain't Nobody Gonna Be Able to F--k with' Packers If We Figure It Out
Jan 13, 2025
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - JANUARY 5: Running back Josh Jacobs #8 of the Green Bay Packers celebrates during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears, at Lambeau Field on January 5, 2025 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Todd Rosenberg/Getty Images)
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs feels his team has a bright future despite Sunday's 22-10 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Wild Card Round.
"All those games, we were right there," he said. "My biggest message this offseason—from the coaches to the players—is how do we take that step? We figure out how to take that step, ain't nobody gonna be able to f--k with us in this league."
Jacobs, who's under contract for the next three seasons, added he intends to take an active role in recruiting players to Green Bay:
Josh Jacobs said the motivation for 2025 is for the #Packers to get over the hump when facing the top tier teams.
As far as next year's roster, he says, "I know I'm going to try and get some guys in here. Most definitely that." pic.twitter.com/7eIZrTzNLy
The 12-point margin between the Packers and Eagles is a little deceiving. Green Bay gained more yards (302) than Philly (290), and the teams were nearly equal in yards per play, 5.0 for the Packers and 5.1 for the Eagles.
Jordan Love's three interceptions were what played a pivotal role in the outcome. The Green Bay quarterback picked an inopportune time to have his worst game of the season.
Jacobs didn't cite Love specifically, but no player needs to take that next step forward more than Love if the Packers are going to become a true title contender.
In his second full season as the starter, the 26-year-old threw for 3,389 yards, 25 touchdowns and 11 interceptions while completing 63.1 percent of his passes. He did, however, finish fifth in QBR (69.4), per ESPN.com.
Jordan Love's stats on true dropbacks this season, including today.
These are non-play action, non-RPO, non-screen pass attempts. Just drop back and rip it.
57.7% completions 15 TD 15 INT 7.5 YPA 77.6 rating
The Packers made a big bet on Love when they handed him a four-year, $220 million extension. They did that with the idea he'd build on an encouraging 2023 season, and he simply failed to achieve that.
A player's developmental arc isn't always linear. It would be hasty to make any firm judgments on Love and whether he can emerge as a true franchise quarterback.
But there's no question he has to improve in order for Jacobs' proclamation to come true.
Jordan Love Says Elbow Injury 'Didn't Affect Me' in Packers' Playoff Loss to Eagles
Jan 13, 2025
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 12: Quarterback Jordan Love #10 of the Green Bay Packers warms up prior to a game against the Philadelphia Eagles during the NFC Wild Card Playoff at Lincoln Financial Field on January 12, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love did not place blame on his elbow for the Packers' 22-10 NFC Wild Card Round loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. After the game, Love told reporters that the injury "didn't affect me."
Love injured his elbow in the first half during the Packers' Week 18 24-22 loss to the Chicago Bears, and he later revealed that he lost feeling in his throwing hand after falling on it.
He threw for 212 yards on a 60.6 percent completion rate with zero touchdowns and three interceptions against the Eagles on Sunday.
Packer head coach Matt LaFleur told reporters that he could have returned to the game after the injury, but held him out due to precautions.
Last Monday, LaFleur told reporters that Love was "going to be okay" ahead of Sunday's game. As the week went on, he was limited during Wednesday's practice, per USA Today's Ryan Wood.
LaFleur said on Friday that Love participated fully in practice and looked good, just five days after leaving the regular season finale and was optimistic about his return, per Pro Football Talks Michael David Smith.
"He did well. Today was a good day," LaFleur told reporters.
Despite rumors surrounding his throwing elbow, it ultimately makes no difference for Love and the Packers as they head into the offseason following the loss.
Love made the third playoff appearance of his career, having been drafted No. 26 overall in 2020, but struggled to find any rhythm in the first half
The 26-year-old and the Packers dropped their final two games of the regular season and ended their campaign in disappointment on Sunday—a loss that will undoubtedly sting for Love.
"Anytime you aren't holding that Super Bowl trophy up, it's tough and it's disappointing," Love told reporters. "It sucks right now."
A year ago, the Green Bay Packers seemingly took the NFL by surprise. Jordan Love stepped onto the stage as a franchise quarterback, and the league's youngest…
Jordan Love, Packers Called Out by NFL Fans for Mistakes in Playoff Loss to Eagles
Jan 13, 2025
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 12: Jordan Love #10 of the Green Bay Packers looks to pass in the first quarter of a game against the Philadelphia Eagles during the NFC Wild Card Playoff at Lincoln Financial Field on January 12, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
Jordan Love and the Green Bay Packers couldn't overcome a rough first half on Sunday, falling to the Philadelphia Eagles 22-10 in their Wild Card playoff clash.
With the Packers trailing by nine points and roughly five minutes left in regulation, a fourth-down pass from Love was caught just out of bounds by second-year wide receiver Malik Heath.
Defensive tackle Tedarrell Slaton was flagged for unnecessary roughness on the Eagles' ensuing drive, setting them up to take a 12-point lead that they wouldn't relinquish for the rest of the contest.
It's worth noting that Love was limited in practice on Wednesday due to a right elbow injury that he suffered in Week 18.
Fans still called out his subpar performance.
gotta say i do not think it’s a good strategy for jordan love to just throw it straight to eagles players but i’m no football coach so let’s see how it plays out
Green Bay was held scoreless throughout the first two quarters of Sunday's matchup. The opening kickoff was fumbled by Keisean Nixon, setting Philadelphia up to take an early 7-0 lead.
The Packers also failed to get on the board following a missed 38-yard field goal attempt by Brandon McManus in the second quarter.
Injuries took a toll on Green Bay.
Wide receivers Romeo Doubs and Jayden Reed both left the game due to a possible concussion and shoulder injury, respectively. Starting guard Elgton Jenkins suffered a shoulder injury of his own, while center Josh Myers was carted off the field in the fourth quarter.
After a promising season came to a disappointing end, fans criticized Green Bay's defeat.
How many galactically stupid plays is that for the Packers now?
After a divisional round appearance in Love's first year as a full-time starter last season, the Packers' 2024 campaign came to an end in the Wild Card round.
Jordan Love 'Hopeful' He'll Start for Packers vs. Eagles in NFL Playoffs amid Injury
Jan 8, 2025
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - JANUARY 05: Jordan Love #10 of the Green Bay Packers throws a pass in the first quarter against the Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field on January 05, 2025 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)
Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love told reporters Wednesday he is "hopeful" he will play in Sunday's playoff game against the Philadelphia Eagles after suffering an injury in the regular-season finale against the Chicago Bears.
"We'll see," he said. "Yeah. I'm hopeful."
Love exited Green Bay's matchup against the Bears in the second quarter due to an elbow injury and didn't return. The Packers suffered a 24-22 loss on a last-second field goal to end the regular season with an 11-6 record.
Love was forced to miss two games earlier this season due to an MCL sprain. In his 15 appearances, he threw for 3,389 yards, 25 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.
The No. 26 pick in the 2020 draft, Love is in his second season as Green Bay's full-time starting quarterback. He's led the Packers to the playoffs in back-to-back years, proving the team's investment in him to be a good decision. He was signed to a four-year, $220 million contract extension prior to the 2024 campaign.
As the No. 7 seed in the playoffs, Green Bay will face the Eagles in the NFC Wild Card Round. The two teams opened the year against one another in the NFL São Paulo Game, with the Eagles earning a 34-29 win. Love threw for 260 yards, two touchdowns and an interception in the loss before suffering the knee injury that cost him two games.
The Packers will need Love to be at his best if they hope to make a deep run in the playoffs. If he's forced to miss time, Green Bay will turn to backup quarterback Malik Willis to lead the offense. Willis produced back-to-back wins in his two starts this season.
Packers' Christian Watson Out for Season With Torn ACL After Knee Injury vs. Bears
Jan 6, 2025
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - NOVEMBER 28: Wide receiver Christian Watson #9 of the Green Bay Packers gets set during an NFL game against the Miami Dolphins at Lambeau Field on November 28, 2024 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Brooke Sutton/Getty Images)
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson will miss the rest of the season after suffering a torn ACL in Sunday's 24-22 loss to the Chicago Bears, coach Matt LaFleur announced on Monday.
"Yeah, it's not good," LaFleur said, per ESPN's Rob Demovsky. "He'll be out for this season or the rest of the year."
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport initially reported the injury was believed to be a torn ACL.
Not only will Watson miss the entire playoffs, but a torn ACL leaves his status for the 2025 regular season in flux.
Watson went down without contact midway through the second quarter of Green Bay's Week 18 contest and was eventually carted back to the locker room. After the game, LaFleur could provide specifics about the injury but told reporters he was "not super confident about that right now."
An injury to Watson's left knee—he hurt the right one Sunday—had sidelined him in Week 17, when his team lost 27-25 to the Minnesota Vikings.
The 2022 second-round pick was a dynamic downfield threat for the Packers this season. His 21.4 yards per reception were second in the NFL behind the Indianapolis Colts' Alec Pierce (22.3 yards).
Christian Watson going down is a big loss for Jordan Love and the Packers
Love on throws of 30+ air yards when targeting Watson vs. anybody else:
EPA/play: 0.61 vs 0.28 Yards/attempt: 17.4 vs 14 Passer rating: 79.5 vs 69.9
Granted, LaFleur may have had to dial back the passing game a bit anyway.
The coach downplayed the extent of the right elbow injury quarterback Jordan Love picked up against the Bears and said the second-year starter could've returned if the circumstances required it.
Still, Love didn't come back into the game and that suggests he wasn't all the way back to 100 percent. Should this continue to linger into the NFC Wild Card Round, it could hinder his ability to be effective on deeper throws.
Packers' Love, Watson Injuries Concern Fans in Loss to Caleb, Bears Before Playoffs
Jan 5, 2025
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - JANUARY 05: Jordan Love #10 of the Green Bay Packers warms up before the game against the Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field on January 05, 2025 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)
The Green Bay Packers fell 24-22 to the NFC North rival Chicago Bears in their regular-season finale at Lambeau Field in Green Bay on Sunday, but they suffered even bigger losses in the form of both quarterback Jordan Love and wide receiver Christian Watson suffering injuries.
Sunday's loss locked the Packers in as the No. 7 seed in the NFC, meaning they will face the No. 2 Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Wild Card Round:
The first playoff matchup we know: Packers @ Eagles
Love threw the ball on the sidelines late in the first half and remained in uniform coming out of halftime, but he did not return to the game, and Malik Willis replaced him the rest of the way. Packers head coach Matt LaFleur told Fox Sports sideline reporter Laura Okmin that Love's elbow was "feeling better" at the start of the second half, however:
While Watson's injury appeared potentially serious, ProFootballTalk reported that Love got hit on the funny bone, which caused numbness and tingling.
ProFootballTalk noted that Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen recently experienced something similar, and he ultimately didn't miss any games.
Given that the Packers had already clinched a playoff spot entering Week 18, the only thing on the line was determining whether Green Bay would be the No. 6 or No. 7 seed in the NFC.
The fact that it was far from a must-win game may have influenced LaFleur's decision regarding Love since it was more important to prevent further injury and give him a chance to play next week in the NFC Wild Card Round of the playoffs.
Many fans on social media expressed concern for the status of Love and Watson, especially with the postseason on the horizon:
I hope Love & Watson are both ok. Right before playoffs is crazy
Chicago jumped out to a 14-3 lead in the first half thanks to a 94-yard punt return touchdown by Josh Blackwell and a four-yard touchdown run by running back D'Andre Swift, but a nine-yard touchdown run by Josh Jacobs helped shrink the Green Bay deficit to one by halftime.
After a scoreless third quarter, rookie quarterback Caleb Williams extended the Bears' lead to 21-13 with a 32-yard touchdown pass to wideout D.J. Moore with about 10 minutes remaining in the fourth:
Packers running back Emanuel Wilson got Green Bay within two points thanks to a 21-yard touchdown run with 4:28 remaining, but the tying two-point conversion attempt failed:
Emanuel Wilson bounces outside for a Green Bay TD!
Packers kicker Brandon McManus then drilled a 55-yard field goal to put Green Bay on top at the 54-second mark.
However, it was a precursor to a heartbreaking loss for Green Bay, as Williams drove the Bears down the field and Cairo Santos hit a game-winning, 51-yard field goal as time expired:
THE KICK IS GOOD! 🙌
The Bears get their first win against the Packers for the first time since 2018! pic.twitter.com/alIkIWRvwG
Williams and the Bears were impressive out of the gate this season, posting a 4-2 record, but they subsequently lost 10 games in a row, and head coach Matt Eberflus was fired in the midst of the slide.
While Williams had his fair share of ups and downs individually, he finished the season with a solid touchdown-to-interception ratio of 20-6, and he threw for 148 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions in a season-ending win over Green Bay.
The Bears broke a 12-game losing streak to the Packers in the process, and Sunday marked the first time LaFleur had ever lost to the Bears since becoming Green Bay's head coach in 2019.
There won't be any time for LaFleur to dwell on the loss, though, as he must prepare for Green Bay's Wild Card Round playoff game against the Eagles.
The Eagles, who rested most of their starters this week after locking up the No. 2 seed, beat the Packers 34-29 in Brazil in Week 1.
As for the Bears, they will primarily focus on their head coaching search in the coming weeks, as they attempt to find the ideal coach to get the most out of their franchise quarterback in Williams.
