Chiefs highlight the resurgence of Packers quarterback Jordan Love

Kansas City’s players and coaches breakdown the recent resurgence of the Packers’ starting quarterback ahead of their Week 13 matchup.

Coming off a big Week 12 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders, the Kansas City Chiefs now head to Lambeau Field for a matchup against the resurging Green Bay Packers. After some mid-season struggles, Green Bay bounced back to win three of their last four games, largely thanks to the improved play of quarterback Jordan Love. Chiefs head coach Andy Reid noted that the fourth-year quarterback is gaining confidence with each passing week.

“He’s playing really good football right now,” Reid told the press after Wednesday’s practice. “You start looking at his numbers, and they’re up there these last few games here. He’s done a nice job.”

During the Packers’ two-game winning streak, Love has thrown for a combined 590 passing yards, five touchdowns, and no interceptions. He put on a show during last week’s Thanksgiving matchup against the Detroit Lions, amassing over 300 yards of total offense while posting a season-high quarterback rating of 125.5.

“I got to catch from the end of the second quarter through the end of the second half with our practice schedule,” quarterback Patrick Mahomes said when asked if he watched Green Bay’s Thanksgiving Day matchup. “They’ve been playing great football all year; I’ve watched many of their games just because we’ve played some similar opponents, obviously. (Packers QB) Jordan (Love) has gotten better and better every single game. He’s always had the talent, but when you get more and more reps – I mean, he didn’t play for three years basically – so he’s gotten more and more reps, you can see how much more comfortable he’s getting.”

Love was selected 26th overall in the 2020 NFL Draft and spent three years serving as the backup to then-Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers. After Rodgers was traded to the New York Jets this past offseason, Love took over the starting role. Having said that, several Chiefs’ players can still see the future Hall-of-Fame quarterback’s influence on his young protege.

“He’s been progressing ever since they gave him the opportunity to get the starting job,” observed Chiefs defensive lineman Chris Jones. “He learned a lot under (Jets QB) Aaron Rodgers and kind of has some of his mechanics. Their team is on a roll, I think a three or four-game winning streak. (Packers Head Coach) Matt LaFleur is a heck of a coach, and that offense is rolling.”

Chiefs safety Justin Reid also noted the similarities between Love and Rodgers.

“The guy is talented,” added Reid. “He can make all the throws. He’s even getting some of those sidearm throws that you saw Rogers was so famous for. You see that in his game. He’s able to boot in either direction, throw the ball across the field, and also has a big arm to throw the ball downfield. So, I think a lot of their offense being successful is kind of like our defense from last year. They had a bunch of young guys come in, and they’re starting to find their footing and find their way. The confidence with him is high right now.”

Kansas City’s defense has been the strength of their team this season. While Love has had some success as of late, he will now have to do it against one of the better defensive units in the NFL – a challenge the Chiefs’ are ready to accept on Sunday night.

“I see a guy who has a really good arm,” Chiefs defensive end Charles Omenihu said about Love’s game. “I see a guy who can make plays. I see a guy whose growing in confidence. I think this is his first year starting, so he’s doing what he’s supposed to do every time. I know Jordan pretty well, so I like that he’s playing well. It’s going to be a good game Sunday.”