To say the Green Bay Packers exceeded expectations this season would be an understatement. Following the trade of Aaron Rodgers, not only did many national media members anticipate they would finish last in the NFC North, but many of their own fans did as well. Following the deal, general manager Brian Gutekunst was (of course) chastised on The Pat McAfee Show for not being a smart guy.
Of course, Rodgers was dealt in exchange for Jordan Love, whom the Packers selected in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft to be his eventual replacement. Key veterans such as Allen Lazard, Marcedes Lewis, Mason Crosby, and Adrian Amos were also granted free agency. Instead of signing other big free agents, the Packers turned to the NFL Draft and bargain bin free agents to fill their positions.
As all football fans are now aware, the Packers are the NFL’s youngest team as a result of their selections. With such a youthful squad, a postseason run seemed unlikely, and when Green Bay started 2-5, it appeared that the worst predictions would be realized.
After October, however, Love and his youthful set of pass catchers found their groove. Despite injuries all throughout the roster, the next guy up did his job filling the hole. Love and right tackle Zach Tom were chosen to PFF’s 2023 All-Breakout Team as a consequence of their achievement.
Jordan Love of the Green Bay Packers has been named to PFF’s All-Breakout Team.
Jordan Love concluded his first season as a starter for the Packers with greater numbers than either Aaron Rodgers or Brett Favre had in their first seasons as starts before him:
| Quarterback | Completion % | Yards | Touchdowns | Interceptions | Passer Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jordan Love | 64.2% | 4,159 | 32 | 11 | 96.1 |
| Aaron Rodgers | 63.6% | 4,038 | 28 | 13 | 93.8 |
| Brett Favre | 64.1% | 3,227 | 18 | 13 | 85.3 |
He also concluded the season with a PFF passing grade of 85.4, which ranked seventh among NFL quarterbacks. PFF said of his nomination to their All-Breakout Team:
“Perhaps no player this season was under more pressure to succeed than Jordan Love.” He was not only taking over as the face of one of the league’s most legendary teams, but he was also succeeding future first-ballot Hall of Famer and four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers.
“Love’s tenure as the franchise’s face had a rocky start, as he didn’t earn a 70.0 passing grade in a game until Week 9 against the Rams.” Love had a 62.8 passing grade entering that game, which ranked 24th out of 35 quarterbacks with at least 100 dropbacks. Since then, he has averaged a remarkable 90.9 passing grade, trailing just Brock Purdy by a single point (91.0).
“This torrid pace was a major factor in Love leading the Packers to the final wild-card spot in the NFC.”
Prior to the season, PFF anticipated that Pittsburgh’s Kenny Pickett would be the team’s breakout quarterback.
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