This is not something any Green Bay Packers fan wants to hear. After a string of victories, and then a heartbreaking loss, talking about intangible traits and positive features is not something that many people want to be a part of. In fact, an up and down season was to be expected with these young pieces and a first-year starter at quarterback. Clearly frustrated with some of the decisions and execution from the Giants loss, Matt LaFleur took a minute to praise his quarterback’s mental tenacity.
Green Bay Packers Press Conference the Following Day
Whoever the reporter was, it would be amazing if they could read this story and be credited for their excellent question:
Matt, I get that you are in the business of winning football games, but growth is still important. When you look at what Jordan did in those last three drives, there are plenty of guys who would’ve started the game the way he did and never pulled himself out of it…You’re still hoping to win the game. I know it stinks, but is there any value in his doing what he did on a day when he wasn’t very good for a large portion of the day to figure it out and get the work done?
Coach LaFleur would respond by not only praising Love’s character and speaking of the principles he admires in his squad as a whole, but also praising him for finding a way to still put the team in a position to win.
Could the Green Bay Packers’ early struggles be explained?
In an odd way, his response may be viewed as a microcosm of Love’s season thus far. Jordan Love did not have a good start to the season, but he has improved during the year, as evidenced by his individual effort against the Giants.
What Green Bay Packers Coach Matt LaFleur then said is an intriguing possible explanation for not only why this staff thought Love was suffering, but also why they regard him as the next potential franchise player.
It’s difficult to be productive all of the time if you’re indecisive in this game, especially at that position.
This may be a stretch, but there are two conceivable interpretations of this quote.
One is taken at face value. The apparent is that mistakes will occur if your quarterback hesitates or does not fully commit to a specific play.
Coach LaFleur may be offering the strongest endorsement of what he sees in Love on a possibly deeper, reading between the lines perspective. That he believes he possesses all of the physical features and characteristics that you need in a quarterback. He moves on to the next play, is even-tempered, and a hard worker, but the biggest impediment to his success is when self-doubt sneaks in.
Following in the footsteps of two Hall of Fame players, I spent three years watching Aaron Rodgers practice every day. It’s natural if imposter syndrome crept in now and again.
Fortunately, when fixed for himself, the ceiling’s potential is limitless. This staff most likely believes that if he can achieve the necessary stable self-confidence, or if they figure out what buttons to push, he is precisely what they are looking for in terms of talent, and is an outstanding example of who they want representing the Green Bay Packers.
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