On wild-card weekend, the Green Bay Packers weren’t predicted to defeat the Dallas Cowboys, and they weren’t even favored to completely outplay the 12-win Dallas club and win by a score of 48–32.
This season, the Packers weren’t expected to make it to the playoffs. It was believed to be Green Bay’s “growing year” experiment. The New York Jets had just received four-time MVP and future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers, and general manager Brian Gutekunst had just let the Packers see what they had in Jordan Love, his replacement.
Additionally, it appeared as though they would not have much for the season’s first quarter. Early on, Love had difficulty, as the Packers “raced off” to a 2–5 lead.
But sometime in early November, Love had a lightbulb moment, and the Packers offense, led by him, have been unstoppable ever since.
Never was it more apparent than when Love entered Jerry Jones’ masterwork and created his own during the playoffs versus Dallas. He completed 16 of 21 throws for 272 yards and three touchdowns, appearing to be in total command of the offense the entire time and frequently showcasing extraordinary talent.
Jordan Love is BUILT DIFFERENT pic.twitter.com/pEaRsjLyzH
— IKE Packers Podcast (@IKE_Packers) January 14, 2024
The Packers defeated Dallas to get a match with the 49ers, a team they are familiar with. It wouldn’t be shocking if the NFC’s top seed defeated the Pack. However, it is astonishing that Green Bay is still competitive and playing less than a year after dealing for Aaron Rodgers.
Green Bay’s future will be significantly impacted by Love’s rise to fame, though, since what will he look like in the upcoming season and beyond if he is still “figuring it out”?
That applies to the offense surrounding him as much as it does to him. With youthful playmakers like Luke Musgrave (rookie), Dontayvion Wicks (rookie), Christian Watson (second season), Romeo Doubs (second season), Tucker Kraft (rookie), and Matt LaFleur (head coach), the team is currently winning.
It just makes natural that the core group of youthful, inexpensive talent will continue to improve as Love rises.
Love has blasted a huge hole in Green Bay’s Super Bowl window, even if the Packers fall to the 49ers the following Sunday.