Packers’ Matt LaFleur tempers expectations on QB Jordan Love as he takes over Aaron Rodgers

When the Aaron Rodgers era officially comes to an end, 24-year-old Jordan Love will assume the duties of starting quarterback at Green Bay.

But when Love is officially named the Packers starter, his head coach Matt LaFleur doesn’t expect the former first-round draft pick to be Rodgers 2.0.

“Sure, I think we’re kidding ourselves if we think he’s going to go out there and perform at the level of an Aaron Rodgers,” LaFleur said at the NFL’s annual convention. “This guy is a one-time generational talent and I don’t think it necessarily started that way when he started. But he evolved into that.”

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LaFleur went on to describe Rodgers’ transition to Love as “an evolution.”

Packers General Manager Brian Gutekunst is tasked with closing the Rodgers’ deal with the New York Jets. Earlier this month, the four-time Super Bowl winner announced his intention to play for the Jets.

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But LaFleur already seems focused on doing whatever it takes to prepare Love for the starting role.

“It’s definitely going to be a different role for him, and I think we all need to lower our expectations of him,” LaFleur said.

“It’s different when you go into a game than when you start a game. It will be a process, but it will be exciting for him, for us. I don’t think a quarterback can really do that alone in this league. It’s going to be everyone gathering around him trying to do his best so he can go out there and perform the best he can.

Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love looks on during the second half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, November 27, 2022 in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

Love’s lonely start to his NFL career came in a 2021 game against the Kansas City Chiefs. But he’s had considerable playing time in a few other games over the years.

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Last season, he completed six of his nine passes in the second half of a Week 12 game against the Eagles. Working out together can help Love prepare for the regular season, which is something LaFleur seems to be advocating.

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) sees Sunday 6th 2022. (Photo by Amy Lemus/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Gutekunst insisted at the start of this offseason that Love was “absolutely” ready to be a starter. He doubled down on his previous comments this week.

“I already mentioned it,” said Gutekunst, “but it’s just time for him to play.”

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LaFleur was nursed under 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan, and a quarterback move could offer him an opportunity to infuse more of his philosophy into the offensive scheme.

“I’ve heard that a lot,” LaFleur said jokingly.

“The way I always see it, it’s our fault,” he added. “Obviously you want to do anything that highlights the skills of your players, whether it’s the quarterback, the receivers, whoever.”