Cory's Corner: Jordan Love Is Elite
Many didn't think the 26th overall pick in 2020 could play, but there is evidence that he can not only play, but he can play at a very high level.
What is a fair expectation for Jordan Love?
Is it the amazing 32-touchdown, 11-interception effort he displayed in his first full season as a starter in 2023 or is it the injury-plagued season of 2024 that saw him tally seven games with less than a 60 percent completion percentage?
I think it’s somewhere in between.
He was not named a Top 10 quarterback in the NFL, but Love isn’t far behind. He has proven that he can make the off-platform throws, he can make the deep throws and he isn’t afraid to tuck it and run. He owns a career passer rating of 90.2 on third down with 25 touchdowns and nine interceptions. In the red zone he owns a passer rating of 95.1 with 60 touchdowns and 25 interceptions. And in 2024, Love had a passer rating of 108.2 in the fourth quarter with six touchdowns and one pick.
I’ve always said that the best way to judge quarterbacks is to find out how they do on third down, how they do in the red zone and how they do in the fourth quarter. Love has shown that he can produce in all three and he even had a passer rating of 104.6 when games were within seven points in the fourth quarter.
“You need an elite quarterback to be able to even have a chance and I believe he is an elite quarterback,” said Packers safety Xavier McKinney.
That’s coming from someone that sees offensive schemes develop everyday in practice. McKinney isn’t going to throw Love bouquets of flowers if he truly didn’t deserve them.
Remember when we were all concerned if Love’s accuracy was going to be a major issue? Well, that’s no longer a problem because Love has provided plenty of evidence that accuracy is no longer a hiccup. Early on, there were some issues with the deep ball as he couldn’t hook up with speedster Christian Watson streaking down the sideline, but Love has really locked it in now.
“This was a magical performance at the highest level and a master class on what teams look for in a modern-day NFL signal caller,” said former Bears head coach Marc Trestman and current NFL analyst. Love was 16 f0r 21 with 272 passing yards and three touchdowns as the Packers beat Dallas in the NFC Wild Card Round 48-32. A perfect passer rating is 158.3 and Love calmly put up a 157.2 to put the rest of the league on notice, while showing off what he can really do.
There are many that don’t think that Love has already shown an elite skill set, but unfortunately those people are wrong. The reason why Love is different is because of his legs. He can get outside the pocket, extend plays and drive defensive ends completely nuts.
It doesn’t look like a 6-foot-4 guy should be that slippery, but that’s exactly what he is. That’s why Love’s MCL sprain in the season opener in Brazil was so crippling for the offense. It not only hurt his plant leg for passing, but it really hurt his best attribute — he wasn’t able to get outside the pocket in the same fashion that we saw in 2023.
There are probably many coaches that don’t want Love to run that much, but when Love can get outside the pocket he is one of the most dangerous weapons in all of football — especially because his speedy wideouts can release and defensive backs won’t be able to stay with them for more than three seconds.
When it comes to Love, it’s not whether he has the skill set. It’s whether he is healthy enough to show off all that he can do.
Jordan Love to Romeo Doubs and the Packers respond pic.twitter.com/aQe9QylFXo
— NFL+ (@NFLPlus) May 6, 2025
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Cory Jennerjohn is a graduate from UW-Oshkosh and has been in sports media for over 15 years. He was a co-host on "Clubhouse Live" and has also done various radio and TV work as well. He has written for newspapers, magazines and websites. He currently is a columnist for CHTV and also does various podcasts. He recently earned his Masters degree from the University of Iowa. He can be found on Twitter: @Coryjennerjohn
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Comments (53)
EricTorkelson
July 15, 2025 at 07:28 am
I like your argument that Love is elite, because of his third down and red zone statistics you mentioned, but if your putting up great fourth quarter numbers is it because your team is trailing and opponents are starting to play softer and protecting the deep routes? As far as deep throws love has consistently throwing them short, note the Cowboy game and the long/short throw to Musgrave for a TD. And as far as running Love always looked awkward to me not slippery no way near a Malik Willis. Yes Love has made great throws as he drifts out of the pocket mixed in with horrible throws while being pressured. Is he elite I believe he needs another year like his first to be called that provided his receivers stop dropping his passes
Savage57
July 15, 2025 at 09:58 am
Love's shown he can play at an elite level. He's also shown he can play at a very pedestrian level as well.
Until he levels things out at some particular point, labeling him anything is premature. I'd suggest he's still in the 'prove-it' stage play-wise, even if the contract says something else entirely.
BuckyBadger
July 15, 2025 at 07:55 am
Love has some elite moment but no, he isn't what most would call an elite NFL QB. Every NFL athlete is elite in general terms but for NFL QBs that honor goes to Burrow, Allen, Jackson and Mahomes at the moment. He still has issues with accuracy despite what this article wants to proclaim. He can throw an elite out pass on one down and miss a TE in the flat on the next. He isn't consistent enough to be put on an elite level. He has the weapons and an improved OL this year, it is time to make that next step.
LLCHESTY
July 15, 2025 at 07:10 pm
He also has some elite numbers if you take into account the WR struggles last year. I agree he needs to play big in some big games to push into elite status and I'd like to see his completion percentage bumped up but hopefully the WRs are at least average in errors committed and we get a reasonable look at what he can do.
https://x.com/SharpFootball/status/1944102843935322530?t=aEgssnge4dKPQdh...
NFLfan
July 15, 2025 at 08:09 am
I found Warren Sharp's analysis of Jordan's talent very compelling. 33% of failed passes were WR-related.
A number of 4th down play calls were questionable as well.
Sometimes Jordan is unfairly blamed by too many fans for problems that are communal. I would say MLF needs
to show more growth in managing the clock and in-game decision-making and should be on a hotter seat than Love.
BuckyBadger
July 15, 2025 at 08:20 am
Criticizing one area of a coach in a year shouldn't put him on the hot seat. He has been to the playoffs 5 of his 6 years (once with one of the youngest teams in NFL history) and has won the North 3 times. Not to mention a win% of .648. How many coaches can say that? Can always cherry pick stats to make cases but wins and loses are what its all about.
mnbadger
July 15, 2025 at 08:43 am
How about one great effort play away from being swept within the division?
Very hard to look past that IMO.
When the teams that know you the best outplay you, coaching and preparation has to be reviewed closely.
GPG!
BuckyBadger
July 15, 2025 at 10:53 am
Fire a guy with MLF's resume this job could become a revolving door. He would be hired immediately, more than a few teams would fire their current guy to get him.
jannesbjornson
July 15, 2025 at 04:51 pm
He has shown he gets lost in the Big Moments.
Since'61
July 15, 2025 at 08:39 am
Love is not yet an elite NFL QB. He has demonstrated that at times he can be but he has not been consistent enough. He played injured during 2024 and that mitigated his production. 2025 is a key season for Love. If he remains healthy his level of play should improve behind a revamped OL and an excellent ground game.
To reach the elite NFL QB level Love needs to work on his decision making and his accuracy. Plus he will be helped if his receivers get over their dropsies.
Becoming an elite QB is not something that is achieved inn just one season. It happens game after game and season after season. It means tilting the field in favor of your team. It means leading 4Q comebacks. it means converting key third downs, throwing TDs and limiting picks. Also means winning in the playoffs and being a dominant QB in the league. IMO Love still has a way to before he reaches the elite status as an NFL QB. Thanks, Since '61
mnbadger
July 15, 2025 at 08:46 am
Has talent, some great throws and a good team around him, but elite status is a much higher bar.
Has not yet been earned.
GPG!
jannesbjornson
July 15, 2025 at 04:56 pm
He married Ron Stone's daughter. He knows the score. He needs to take charge and run the Show. Call His own plays WHEN necessary. Run the fast -break offense. Forget about 3 yards and a pile of manure.
LeotisHarris
July 15, 2025 at 08:42 am
I've always said there are probably many people and many coaches who probably think training camps are going to start soon.
Sidenote: PFF reports 65% of NFL defensive ends seek mental health services within 72 hours of playing against Jordan Love.
mnbadger
July 15, 2025 at 08:51 am
Whaaat?
If true, I'll bet 72% of DE's are following up on regularly scheduled appointments.
72% of American population could probably use consultation, including this cheesehead.
No relationship to proximity to Jordan Love.
GPG!
TarynsEyes
July 15, 2025 at 09:39 am
"Sidenote: PFF reports 65% of NFL defensive ends seek mental health services within 72 hours of playing against Jordan Love".
Because he wasn't what they were brainwashed into believing he was.
TKWorldWide
July 16, 2025 at 02:08 pm
Are you saying opposing DC’s overrate Love in their preparations when playing Green Bay?
EricTorkelson
July 15, 2025 at 03:57 pm
Dude, double check your meds container before you post ..... Ha
TXCHEESE
July 15, 2025 at 08:48 am
Not going to argue whether he is elite or not. I believe he definitely has the tools to be elite. I love his demeanor and physical talent. Hopefully he stays healthy and takes his game to the next level. He's shown he can be elite, now it's time to consistently perform at a high level. If the OL can stay healthy and keep him somewhat protected, he has shown he can spread the ball around effectively and generate the explosive plays.
Coldworld
July 15, 2025 at 09:10 am
Love has shown ability to do things only elite QBs can. However, he’s not done them consistently for long enough to be rationally deemed elite. I do not think we’ve seen his ceiling, but if I am wrong and we have, then he will not be seen as having been an elite QB in hindsight. At this point he’s very promising but as yet has not scaled those heights.
the_gavia_pass
July 15, 2025 at 09:15 am
yes he is elite at signing elite qb contracts being just an average to bust talent :)
come on....
in the last ESPN survey among nfl executives and coaches he is not even in the top 10! in a very bad actually nfl qb class....10 years ago love would have been a practice squad qb.
now he is even worse than mayfield.....
I understand you need to sell something to the fans now....but love elite is really dig the barrell
Lphill
July 15, 2025 at 09:24 am
can you show that survey?
the_gavia_pass
July 15, 2025 at 09:32 am
it's on ESPN website
crayzpackfan
July 15, 2025 at 09:47 am
ESPN hasn't been relevant for the last 10 years.
the_gavia_pass
July 15, 2025 at 04:23 pm
I know you want to dream...so dream. but reality is different.
13TimeChamps
July 16, 2025 at 12:14 pm
You want reality? Here's reality. Barring injury, Jordan Love is going to be the starting QB for the Green Bay Packers for at LEAST the next two seasons. Maybe it's time for you to deal with it and move on to something else to bitch about.
LeotisHarris
July 15, 2025 at 08:16 pm
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/45530940/top-10-nfl-quarterbacks-exe...
Fowler's article lists Love as "honorable mention" with the following text:
Love appeared ready for top-10 status by the end of 2023. "He was f---ing outstanding," an NFL personnel evaluator said about that stretch. "Play-action on time, big arm, confidence." That shifted slightly in 2024, due in part to a Week 1 knee injury that cost him two games. "It looked like it took him time to work through managing that injury," the personnel evaluator said. "Another full offseason with [head coach Matt] LaFleur and more receiving options and he'll be fine."
It's all head shit anyway. Is he elite? Is he extraordinary? Can he make all the throws? Is he a leader? Is he a generational talent? Is he a winner?
TKWorldWide
July 16, 2025 at 02:26 pm
Does he walk to school or carry his lunch? Does he dance like no one is watching? Does he install toilet paper over the top, or from underneath? Does he crack his eggs on the wide end or the narrow? Is he a generous tipper?
Lphill
July 15, 2025 at 09:23 am
going 1 and 5 in the division is not elite. almost 0 and 6 .
TarynsEyes
July 15, 2025 at 09:30 am
No matter how, the stats are twisted, manipulated to enhance particular criteria, the product is never what the claim depicts. An 'elite' QB needs no such manipulation because his field presence alone makes the opponent worry, play more cautious because his proven ability erases the need for stat manipulation.
Love does not strike worry or fear in an opponent, as does Mahomes, Allen, Burrow, Jackson, or the fading Stafford, or the two risers of Daniels and Stroud.
I've always believed that there are only 5 elite QBs in any ten-year period, then you have 5 on the cusp of possible elite who may replace one of the top 5. However, the bar is dropping yearly, and we now endure the salary decides who is elite, where if one team pays a QB elite money they must be elite, wrong.
Love hasn't earned elite status with his play, or his salary, but is the beneficiary of circumstance, though not incapable, certainly has ability, but he simply has not earned the moniker of 'elite', when another half-and-half season of play, another failed playoff game, or missing out totally will not dismiss the questions of his manipulated status, but the thinking of an extension, less a final year contract trade, and not the possible/likely removal of MLF.
Yes, Love is a good QB, but not so good that he holds a place in the rankings to his own, but rather in another ranking group of 5 that can be bounced around positionally, depending on who is doing the stat manipulation, and that group not being of the 6–10 either, with a possible drop outside the 11-15 group where is bed is not fully embedded either, as guys like Nix, Maye and Pennix appear to be arriving.
However, much of this honest revelation could possibly be put to rest without the need of manipulations used so far, with a huge season in play and getting close to grasping the SB, with no less than an NFCCG, even if a loss. Another 7th seed one and done, or missed playoff berth, simply will not strengthen the case of the manipulators. Unless being the usher to those who achieve is your version of success with an, ahem, elite QB.
Waiting with limited patience for the true emergence of the assumed 'eliteness' of Love.
vin0770
July 16, 2025 at 12:00 pm
To put the word elite and JL in the same sentence is ridiculous. Hell, I just hope he’s legitimately the guy which means much improved consistency. And his realistic improvement step one is simple but maybe not easy for JL. Stop with the knucklehead interceptions! I get it he’ll have some no worries, just knock off the ones totally on JL and head scratchers. The second is also low hanging fruit, how about no more dirt balls to a five yard pass to the running back in the flat to the left.
T7Steve
July 15, 2025 at 09:31 am
I wish that the team around Love will be so complete that he'll just be an afterthought Like Eli Manning was to the Giants. Get the O-line clicking and defenses will have too much to worry about and won't be able to tee up on him without him making them pay.
Last season we were going in hoping for a great improvement on D and excited about Jacobs coming in and thought the O would take another step, but worried about special teams. We're way ahead of last season already.
This team can make Love look elite and in turn he'll make everyone around him excel including the D.
dobber
July 15, 2025 at 09:48 am
I like your Eli Manning comparison. He was also a polarizing QB when the question of whether he was "elite," and now in the context of what his place is in NFL history is. I think he eventually gets into the HOF on the strength of two SB rings...but he also played on a lot of mediocre-to-crappy NYG teams that he couldn't elevate. I hate to point to QB W/L, but he was a .500 QB (with two SB rings).
Do I think Love's elite? Not now...and he may never be elite. I'll point to what Taryn said above, in that if you need to equivocate as much as Corey does to make your point, then your point isn't really there. Do I think the Packers can win with Love? Yes, I do, and I don't think you need an elite QB to win the SB. Going back to 2015, Payton Manning was no longer elite. Neither was Nick Foles in 2017. I would argue that Matthew Stafford was not an elite QB when the Rams won it in 2021, and that Jalen Hurts is not an elite QB. We could argue several of those, but I think it's as much about supporting cast, staying healthy, getting hot at the right time, and getting lucky bounces and matchups.
T7Steve
July 15, 2025 at 09:58 am
Yes. Look how the team around Baker Mayfield has risen HIS status. 2 years ago, he was an afterthought and is now 8 or 9 on that list. Did he improve or the team around him?
jannesbjornson
July 15, 2025 at 05:02 pm
Bucky Irving helps...
13TimeChamps
July 15, 2025 at 09:49 am
Is he elite? Does he need to be elite? Someone above claimed only Burrow, Allen, Jackson and Mahomes are currently elite NFL QBs. How many rings do those 4 have? That would be 3...and they all belong to Mahomes.
I think most would consider Hurts very good, but not necessarily elite, yet he's been to 2 Super Bowls. I think if GB surrounds Love with talent equal to what Philly has, reaching very good status, which Love is certainly at least close to, he could also have that same success.
I've always felt 2025 was the year when we finally find out what we have in Love. Does he have to be elite? I think people get hung up on certain words. Personally, I'd be happy with Love proving himself to be consistently a very good NFL QB. Then it's up to the coaches and front office to figure out the rest.
dobber
July 15, 2025 at 09:56 am
I think we posted about the same time.
I agree with pretty much everything you said here.
"I think if GB surrounds Love with talent equal to what Philly has, reaching very good status, which Love is certainly at least close to, he could also have that same success."
I'll look at Detroit and say that injuries--and running into a hot Washington team--derailed their defense and left them vulnerable, but Goff is a prime example of how a great supporting cast can make it so a pretty good QB is enough to win with.
Bitternotsour
July 15, 2025 at 10:45 am
He can and has thrown every conceivable pass. he throws a glorious spiral, easily catchable (despite the propensity of drops from the receivers). He quarterbacked the youngest team in the league to a blowout win over a heavily favored cowboy team. He's unflappable, never nervous, composed in the pocket, respected by his teammates. I can't remember a time he's spit the bit.
Honestly, who gives a shit whether he's perceived as elite, he has the skillset to lead the team to the Superbowl, but that can't be done alone, the team has to cooperate.
Oxymoron 3339
July 15, 2025 at 10:53 am
Not Elite yet
With plenty of time and a nice pocket he can deliver.
When stuff breaks down and he has to move or reset he tends to run or throw the ball away. The Elite QB’s try to gut you.
Go watch Mahomes’s highlights and you will see him escape and then kill you. Love’s highlights are all in rythem throws.
Sooner or later in order to be elite you need to be able to make something out of nothing.
I hope he gets there
dobber
July 15, 2025 at 10:54 am
"In the red zone he owns a passer rating of 95.1 with 60 touchdowns and 25 interceptions. "
Say what?
GregC
July 15, 2025 at 02:12 pm
I looked it up, and those are stats for his entire career (regular season), not just in the red zone. Yes, Cory has led us astray once again.
Oppy
July 16, 2025 at 06:09 am
You can lead a horse to water, but when I see Cory upstream, I just give the horse a bottled water.
dobber
July 16, 2025 at 09:25 am
Cory upstream or microplastics? I see your point.
LambeauPlain
July 15, 2025 at 11:44 am
How many SB appearances should a designated "elite" QB have after 18 years as a starter? How many Lombardi's?
Was Rodgers elite? One SB and Lombardi.
Love needs to improve consistency. But I like his chances. Solid work ethic, motivation for the job, athletic ability, can make all the throws, intelligence, leadership, and cool, even tempered demeanor.
After two years as a starter no one would have logically labeled Rodgers "elite". Not even during the first half of the 2010 season but he showed out down the stretch and played great, aided by a good defense in the 2nd year of Capers' defense. (sound familiar?)
The career track similarities between Rodgers and Love are many.
TarynsEyes
July 15, 2025 at 12:29 pm
"The career track similarities between Rodgers and Love are many".
Favre got to two SBs, and Rodgers got to one, according to your similar paths' theory, Love will not get any, according to the descent in SB achieving success.
I'll stick with, Make Your Own Way, as it appears the more optimistic of the two.
LambeauPlain
July 16, 2025 at 11:26 am
Missed the forest for the trees...
stockholder
July 15, 2025 at 03:50 pm
Another Love persuasion-
Elite-
Tom Brady (7sb), Joe Montana (4sb), and Terry Bradshaw (4sb)
Dan Marino, Jim Kelly, and Fran Tarkenton -Zero
Not so elite-
Trent Dilfer, Brad Johnson, Jim Plunkett, McMahon, and Jeff Hostetler
Do we need Love to win.?
No, but a good coach is.
I say he's tradable. Consider it before it's too late.
The chances he takes, will be his downfall.
jannesbjornson
July 15, 2025 at 05:10 pm
Irrelevant, but the Coach correlation in the SB Era may ring a bell: Bill Walsh is still my #one guy, then Chuck Noll, then Belichek and his skank. Marino got to a SB. The rest carried by Elite Defenses. Move LaFleur and Love may have a chance, like Warren Moon.
stockholder
July 15, 2025 at 06:02 pm
warren Moon never won a SB.
And this isn't Canadian football.
I'll take Lombardi.
And I suggest; MLF only
needed a good defensive coach.
And a GM that didn't blow draft picks.
LeotisHarris
July 15, 2025 at 08:23 pm
"And a GM that didn't blow draft picks."
Okay, so that's news to me. I'd heard there *may* have been a couple of handjobs over the years, but, wow...
the_gavia_pass
July 16, 2025 at 10:57 am
they had to trade him when they had problem with the new contract....love had value there....now a trade would come with little value because you're trading a QB you gave a 55 million per year contract last year...anyway I would trade him now anyway
Leatherhead
July 15, 2025 at 08:39 pm
Elite? In a 32 team league, about half will be average starters. Some a little better than others, but still in the middle. And about 8 will be better than the rest and about 8 will be worse.
But Elite implies a little more than Top 8, probably Top 4, and I don't think Love is there. He's probably somewhere between 4-12. But he's got a really good team around him. He could have the best season of his career this year.
Not Elite, but plenty good enough to win with.
PhantomII
July 15, 2025 at 10:25 pm
Not too many QB's are Elite without a great pass rusher...and a legit #1 WR.....Until we get that fixed..we will not be going too deep in the playoffs this season. (You've got some work to do.... Gute)
Packerpasty
July 16, 2025 at 08:12 pm
“The reason why is his legs?? I don’t see him as a very good runner at all and he is t very instinctive of when to pass or when to run…