Green Bay Packers' Jordan Love runs onto the field before an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders Monday, Oct. 9, 2023, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
Jordan Love and the Green Bay Packers clinched a playoff spot with a hard-fought 17-9 win over division rival Chicago Bears on Sunday. Throughout the season, Love’s leadership of the squad has received considerable appreciation from fans, players, his coach, and others in the league. Although some may consider it premature or simply “living in the moment,” I feel there is a strong case to be made that Jordan Love, in his first year as a starter, may very well be the NFL MVP in 2023.
Jordan Love and the Green Bay Packers: Season highs and lows in 2023
Let’s take a look back at the Green Bay Packers’ 2023 season. Following a high-flying victory over the Bears in their first game, the Packers struggled and finished with a 3-6 record. Then they were able to turn things around, winning six of their last eight games to finish 9-8 and as the NFC’s seventh seed. Love, in particular, was outstanding down the stretch, notably in crucial victories over Minnesota and Detroit.
Despite the team’s overall inconsistency, Love put up great stats. He passed for over 4,000 yards and 32 touchdowns while intercepting only 11 passes. Most importantly, he led his team to the playoffs in his first full season as the franchise’s starting quarterback, something Aaron Rodgers and Brett Favre both failed to do. The fact that Green Bay was able to clinch that playoff berth against their long-time rival Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field added to the accomplishment.
Jordan Love is the most valuable player, but who else?
It would be naive to think that Jordan Love is the only player deserving of MVP consideration. Most people believe that Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is the obvious favorite to earn his second MVP award. The Ravens concluded with a league-best 13-4 record, and Jackson was outstanding throughout the season. His 24 passing touchdowns, however, may be regarded “low end” for MVP-winning quarterbacks. Nonetheless, Jackson’s tremendous performance against San Francisco and Miami down the stretch has unquestionably propelled him to the head of the pack.
Dak Prescott of the Dallas Cowboys is also a strong contender, as he leads the league in passing touchdowns with 36. Two of the San Francisco 49ers’ greatest players, running back Christian McCaffrey and quarterback Brock Purdy, are also likely candidates. Purdy was widely regarded as the MVP favorite before his four-interception performance against the Baltimore Ravens on Christmas.
Jordan Love: What else is there for him to do?
It would be a mistake to believe that simply bringing Green Bay back into the playoffs will propel Jordan Love into the MVP conversation. To be seriously considered for the award, the Green Bay Packers would have to pull off at least one upset in the postseason. And that chance comes against a tough Dallas squad that has been dominant at home.
It will be difficult to beat clubs like Dallas and San Francisco, both of which have MVP candidates. This is especially relevant in light of Jaire Alexander’s freak injury during practice, which could have an impact on how Green Bay performs on defense. However, if they are able to make a strong playoff run, it is difficult to dismiss Jordan Love as a dark horse possibility to be crowned the NFL’s most valuable player in 2023.
