‘I’ve had this game circled for a long time,’ Packers QB Jordan Love says of beating the Chiefs.
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Jordan Love started his first career game against the Kansas City Chiefs two seasons ago, filling in for Aaron Rodgers on short notice. To say it went poorly is an understatement. That day in Kansas City, the young quarterback wilted against the blitz.
Love flipped the script on Sunday night.
The Green Bay Packers quarterback was spectacular, especially against Steve Spagnuolo’s blitzes, carving up the Kansas City Chiefs defence for 267 yards and three touchdowns in a 27-19 victory.
“It’s enormous. “Obviously, I’ve had this game circled for a long time for myself,” Love said, according to the official transcript. “It was my first start (against the Chiefs in 2021), and obviously, I didn’t play well in the first game, so being able to see these guys again and win is huge.” Tonight’s team victory is outstanding. Everyone just went all out, so it was a fantastic win.”
Love’s performance under pressure was crucial to the outcome of the game. When blitzed on Sunday night, the quarterback went 12 of 17 for 100 yards and three touchdowns, good for a 125.0 passer rating, according to Next Gen Stats.
“I think for me personally, it’s just being able to see the stuff,” Love said of his blitz performance. “I’ve had more reps, and I’m more comfortable with where I need to go with the ball.” I think the offensive line is doing a fantastic job just picking this stuff up. It’s not easy when they bring all-outs, some of these blitzes, and things like that, but they’ve been doing a great job of giving me time, and receivers, obviously, are aware of when they need to be open.
It’s something we definitely practice as a team. We know some teams will bring it, so we have to be ready to execute and go out there and make sure they don’t do it again.”
Love has obviously come a long way since his first career start two years ago. His play has also improved during his first full season as a starter.
Love has surged after a shaky start to the campaign. Love has 14 touchdown passes since the Packers’ bye week in Week 7, trailing only Dak Prescott in the NFL. Green Bay’s offence has benefited from his increased comfort in the pocket and confidence to see it and let it rip. He also began to connect on some of those deep shots that had fluttered to the turf earlier in the season.
Love’s performance has the Packers on a three-game winning streak, including two wins over playoff teams (Detroit and Kansas City). Green Bay is 6-6 and in the final wild-card spot after a 2-5 start. Given the team’s performance and soft schedule down the stretch (no opponents with a record better than.500), the playoffs have gone from long shot to likely in recent weeks.
Love has shown the type of growth, maturity, and talent that should have Packers fans excited about the trajectory under centre after entering the season with a slew of questions and stumbling out of the gate.
