Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love had a virtually impossible task this season. He was the player who had to replace the legendary Aaron Rodgers, who was traded to the New York Jets in the offseason.
It is a similar position Rodgers was in when he took over as the Packers’ starter, replacing future Hall of Famer Brett Favre, who was also traded to the Jets. Those are some massive shoes to fill as Rodgers is one of the most talented players to ever step on the field and play the quarterback position.
While he has a long way to go in terms of production and success on the field, Green Bay has to be happy about what they have seen in Year 1 of the Love era. He has the team in position to make the playoffs in his first season, as a win over the Chicago Bears in Week 18 would clinch a Wild Card spot.
Love’s production has been excellent this season as well. A bumpy stretch earlier in the season, when the team lost four in a row and five of six games led many to question whether Love was the guy for the job.
But how he has responded since, showing improvements despite injuries to the positional groups around him, has instilled a lot of confidence moving forward. He has throw multiple touchdowns without an interception in three straight games and six out of his last seven starts. It is a feat that he has accomplished eight times this season overall.
While the production on the field has been nice to see, it is what Love is doing off of it that has really endeared him to his teammates. This is one area in which he is showing more than Rodgers, who at times had an icy relationship and was tough to work with.
As shared by undrafted rookie wide receiver Bo Melton, Love hosts his teammates every Monday for dinner and film study. Melton spoke highly of Love’s ability to bond with everyone, as defensive players are invited to the dinners as well.
“It’s just crazy how he can bond with everybody, every receiver, every running back… he’s a great quarterback,” said Melton.
Those sessions are certainly paying dividends as we move into the final week of the regular season. Melton was a big reason why the Packers kept their playoff hopes alive in Week 17, as he stepped up when opportunity knocked against the Minnesota Vikings.
With Christian Watson and Dontayvion Wicks sidelined and Jayden Reed exiting the game, Melton was thrust into a major role. He responded, catching six passes for 105 yards and one touchdown.
Those Monday dinners Love hosts almost certainly played a part in Melton finding success right away. Despite not receiving much playing time before that point, he was prepared because of the film study and work Love has put in with his teammates throughout the season
