Hello Wisconsin: Jordan Love Passes the Eye Test in Limited First Game Action

Jordan Love takes his first steps, plus Wisconsin Beer of the Week, State Fair recap, Oren Burks hype?! and more.

Before I get too far into my thoughts on Jordan Love’s preseason performance this weekend, I will first give the disclaimer that it is, of course, far too early to make any broad statements about Love’s future or his capabilities as a quarterback.

Now, with that out of the way, if you’re a Packer fan you have to feel pretty good about what you saw out of Love in his first (limited) preseason action. 

He wasn’t perfect, of course, but there were a few things that stuck out to me:

  • He played without fear. This is clearly a man who has confidence in his arm and isn’t afraid to push the ball down the field. He does not immediately strike me as someone who’s going to have an overly cautious play style. Of course, that could lead to some boom-or-bust tendencies, but it’s far too early to say.

  • He went through his progressions. This is a really important trait to have as a young quarterback in the NFL. He didn’t panic when there wasn’t an open read. Instead, he surveyed the field and made smart plays.

  • His ball doesn’t have quite the zip that Packer fans are used to seeing from Brett Favre and Rodgers, but there are very few quarterbacks in league history that can rifle it like those two. 

Here’s an early play that really stood out to me:

 

We see Love step up in the pocket here to buy himself some more time. His first couple reads aren’t open. Now, he had a little bit of space to tuck it and run, but instead he looks to his last read and checks it down for a few yards.

Is this the right decision? It’s hard to say how many yards Love could have gained had he run up the middle, but with it being preseason, it’s better to avoid any unnecessary contact and to work through your progressions.

To me, this play, while seemingly unremarkable, was promising in that it showed Love already has an understanding of his offense and good awareness of the field.

Another play that stood out:

This is an incomplete pass, but it shows a tremendous amount of arm confidence. The pessimist will say Love made an ill-advised throw into double coverage. The optimist will say he put it where only his receiver could get it and made it a catchable ball in a tight window.

I’m not making any judgments here on whether this is the right throw or not for him to make--just noting that it’s much more Favre than Rodgers in this particular circumstance.

Those were the two big plays that stood out to me from the evening, even more so than some of the big-gainers (the laser to Jace Sternberger down the seam was beautiful, and more difficult than the standard TV angle showed).

There were, of course, some negative plays. A couple moments of sloppiness. One time where he opened up the wrong way on a rollout (at the time I thought Patrick Taylor went the wrong way for the play fake).

But overall, it’s a live game action debut for Jordan Love that left you feeling like the kid has promise. It’s certainly a better preseason debut than Aaron Rodgers had.

The shoulder injury Love suffered on the strip sack is not likely to cause him to miss time, according to reports on Sunday, but the Packers will be working out quarterbacks tomorrow just to have another arm around in camp in case Love does need to be held out.

But if Love does play against the Jets, the things I’m going to be paying particular attention to are:

  • The small details. Footwork, poise, body control. The moments where Love had minus plays were when he got a bit sloppy with the basics.

  • Mastery of the offense. We got to see a little bit of Love working through his progressions and hitting receivers on a variety of routes. I’m looking forward to seeing him in more in-game situations with different types of play calls. Would especially be interested in seeing him in a hurry up scenario.

It’s far too early to proclaim Love as the third consecutive franchise quarterback for the Packers, but one thing’s for sure: he’s got the skills and awareness of an NFL-caliber quarterback. It’s a reassuring start. 

But there’s a long road ahead.

Was that really Oren Burks?

Gotta say, in all the “what to watch” articles I saw come out in advance of the Packers/Texans game, I never once saw someone mention Oren Burks.

The man played with a fire that I have never seen from him before. He was all over the field in the first quarter especially, on both defense and special teams, creating penetration up the middle, making stops and even leading the special teams coverage unit.

Burks has largely been a disappointment as a third-round pick since he was drafted in 2018. Even when he has been healthy, he’s had a hard time getting on the field because, well, he just hasn’t been good enough.

It’s only a single preseason game, but what we saw out of him on Saturday did not at all resemble the player we’ve seen over the last three seasons.

If (and it’s still a big if) Burks really manages to make a turnaround and live up to his draft status, it would be a huge boon for this Packers defense and linebacking corps. 

Wisconsin Beer of the Week

I love highlighting small breweries in this space, and this week I’m highlighting one of the smallest in Wisconsin--the relatively new Supermoon Beer Company based in Milwaukee’s Bay View neighborhood.

Supermoon has had only a few public beer releases so far, every few months (the first came in Fall 2020). They’ve specialized in slow-fermented beers and farmhouse blends.

If you’re unfamiliar with what a farmhouse beer is, basically it’s a tradition that started in Europe where farmers would brew beer for them to drink around their farm, using their own grains. Today’s farmhouse ales are basically a category of styles such as saisons, biere de gardes, gueuzes and others.

Farmhouse ales are most commonly characterized by being light and drinkable, perfect for summer days, with a bit of a sweet, funky flavor (similar to what you might expect from wet hay or grain) with a dry mouthfeel.

Spotted Cow is technically a type of farmhouse ale, albeit one that’s not quite as dry as what you’d typically find in the style. A common saison might taste similar to Belgian ales (think Blue Moon) but with a slightly different aftertaste.

What Supermoon did with one of its latest beer releases (called Dens) was create what they called a Farmhouse IPA--a beer that has the dry, sweet, drinkable qualities of a standard farmhouse ale or saison, but with a hint of the hoppiness you’d expect in an IPA.

The result was an extremely pleasant summery beer that you could drink all day. 

No frills about this one. Just really good quality stuff from a brewery that has been impressing me with all of their early releases so far.  

Follow them on Instagram to stay up to date with their release schedules and when they’re doing bottle sales. They don’t have distribution yet, so you’ll have to visit them at their storefront in Milwaukee’s Bay VIew neighborhood.

Aaron Rodgers, like me, not a fan of joint practices

An underrated and hilarious moment occurred during the Packers game broadcast on Saturday evening when, in the fourth quarter, John Kuhn interviewed Aaron Rodgers on the sidelines

Kuhn asked Rodgers if he was looking forward to the joint practices that would be happening with the New York Jets this week, and Rodgers quickly quipped that he was “looking forward to getting past them.”

Rodgers went on to talk about how tensions tend to flare up in joint practices, and he’s going to do his best to stay out of the thick of it.

I personally have never really understood the need for or benefit of joint practices. Rodgers is right in that you frequently hear reports of fights breaking out in these joint practice sessions. I’m not so sure the benefits of these sessions outweigh the risks of teams getting overly aggressive with each other in August in practice sessions.

I’d be interested to hear what other players have to think about them, and whether they truly find them beneficial for their preparation in camp. 

Waiting on alternative uniforms

It’s a bit surprising that the Packers have not yet released any information about what the team’s throwback alternates will look like this year.

There is, however, no shortage of fan theories out there about what the uniforms will look like. Last week, Twitter user @TheGPackers released what could very well be something close to the look the Packers are going for. 

Based on a quote from Mark Murphy that the uniform would feature a “shade of the color green,” the user predicted the Packers would be modeling the team’s 1936 championship team uniforms, seen here:

Here’s the mockup @TheGPackers made based on the design:

It would be pretty consistent with previous historical alternates the Packers have released, and they certainly could do worse than this design. 

Clay Matthews silliness

Look, Clay Matthews isn’t coming back to the Packers. And it’s unlikely the coordinated Instagram stories by Rodgers, David Bakhtiari and Randall Cobb calling for his return were completely serious.

But let’s discuss the silliness that would be a Matthews return for just a moment. We’d be talking about bringing in a 35-year-old player who spent the last year out of football, and was arguably the second-worst starter on the Packers’ defense THREE YEARS AGO, suddenly returning to a team with championship aspirations.

Matthews would be, at best, the team’s fourth edge rusher. In such a role, he would be expected to play heavily on special teams, something he probably wouldn’t be willing to do at this stage of his career, and which he wouldn’t be well-suited for anyway. 

You don’t want the bottom of your roster filled up with old vets. That’s where you stash your developmental players and special teams rockstars. Even if Clay took a minimum deal, it simply wouldn’t be worthwhile from the Packers’ perspective. At this point, is his output going to be appreciably better than whoever he would replace in that position? 

It’s not going to happen, and Brian Gutekunst essentially said as much in a press conference Monday.

State Fair recap

I finally made it out to State Fair with my family yesterday, the final day of the fair. I’m glad we waited until this weekend--the weather had been unbearably hot for the previous week, plus there was so much rain. 

The fair was absolutely packed, but we still had a great time. My toddler was enthralled by the animals (especially the cows) but, of course, the main attraction was the food.

The two standout items to me this year were the Deep Fried Pink Squirrel (yes, like the cocktail) and the Deep Fried Wisconsin Fish Fry, both of which were available for purchase at the Water Street Brewery stand right on the main stretch of food stops. 

The Deep Fried Pink Squirrel featured a homemade pink almond cheesecake in the center, coated with almond floud and vanilla wafers. It was then fried and topped with chocolate sauce, vanilla cream cheese frosting and a maraschino cherry. Just perfection.

The Deep Fried Wisconsin Fish Fry was a surprise. I thought it was kind of a dumb gimmick at first--basically they deep fried everything you’d get in a fish fry in one edible package. But it actually turned out brilliantly .It included German cole slaw, french fries and cod filets rolled in flour, dunked in a beer batter and deep fried, served with tartar sauce and a lemon slice. I could have eaten a whole bunch more of those.

Unfortunately, since we had three young kids with us I wasn’t able to peruse as many of the food offerings as I normally would like to, as our time was limited. But of course, we made time for a cream puff on the way out (a huge hit with the toddler), sampled some dairy and added other snacks here and there.

Fried foods, plenty of dairy products, Wisconsin beers, farm animals, live music… what more could you ask for, right? 

Looking forward to the kids getting a bit older so we can spend more time and get even more out of the fair experience, but it was a hit this weekend.

For those of you who attended, leave your favorite fair foods in the comments.

Kurt Benkert hype

Can we all just give a moment of appreciation for Kurt Benkert?

Benkert wasn’t supposed to play nearly as much as he did on Saturday, but a shoulder injury to Love resulted in Benkert playing the entire second half. And he made the most of his time. Sure, he didn’t light the world on fire, but he didn’t shy away from the moment at all. The man wanted to come out and sling the football.

He’s been a fun story in training camp and seems like a genuinely good guy. I’m cheering for him to make the roster.

Go Pack!

 

 

 

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__________________________

Tim Backes is a lifelong Packer fan and a contributor to CheeseheadTV. Follow him on Twitter @timbackes for his Packer takes, random musings and Untappd beer check-ins.

__________________________

9 points
 

Comments (39)

Fan-Friendly This filter will hide comments which have ratio of 5 to 1 down-vote to up-vote.
scullyitsme's picture

August 16, 2021 at 02:11 pm

Clay matthew’s was just Arod trolling the fans that already hate him for wanting a say in personnel decisions( mostly they live at this site) . He might of been half serious. He’s a smart guy, he knows what trying to bring matthew’s back would look like and be hated by the haters. I thought it was funny. And hey, if we have an injury or two( knock on wood) maybe reality. I don’t doubt that clay at a minimum contract could be a situational rusher that adds some value to the team.

-9 points
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Swisch's picture

August 16, 2021 at 06:48 pm

It pains me to think of the Packers cutting someone like Winfree or Begelton to keep Cobb.
I love Cobb. He was not only a great talent but a great competitor for the Packers over several seasons. He also seems like a great person. However, he's not what he once was on the field, and probably not close.
So just for that I don't think Rodgers is smart or funny -- which means that his post about Matthews fall flat as being neither.
***
I'm not surprised that our quarterback is playing the part of Mr. Rodgers in being a wonderful neighbor of his teammates .
First of all, it may be somewhat sincere. I like Rodgers for the most part, and would guess he has a lot of good qualities.
However, it may also have something to do with making amends with teammates after ditching them for a couple months of holding out for apparently no good reason, just his stupid delusions of grandeur.
He didn't apologize to his teammates for this self-absorption, at least not publicly, so perhaps he's trying to make it up to them by being the venerable veteran and doting grandfather.
Instead of apologizing to all involved with the Packers, or at least being gracious to all, Rodgers chose to trash the front office as cold and calculating to our cherished players -- which not only hurts the organization in attracting future players, but more importantly hurts the professional and personal lives of real people.
I'm extremely disappointed with him for this cheap stunt, and very distrusting of him going forward.
You just don't mess with the reputations of others unless you have a lot more proof than vaguely saying that you talked to some of the players who were let go. It's terribly wrong.
It's a lack of character that reflects poorly on the ability of Rodgers to be a true leader in good times and bad. He has shown himself as the type who will not only bail on people for phantom reasons, but turn on others with a base meanness.
I truly hope I'm wrong -- or that Rodgers gets a better grip on reality, a larger dose of humility, and an added measure of kindness.

0 points
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scullyitsme's picture

August 16, 2021 at 09:04 pm

Seriously? Begelton and Winfrey? Over Cobb? Seriously? I’d cut either any day if the week for Cobb, twice Sunday. It’s not even close on who would help us win this year. Not Even Close. This is the weird ass sentiment that surrounds our poor receiving Corp. has it always been this way or just the past couple of years? Nagler started saying how good mvs and Lazard are and poof… everyone believed him. Even though they average 33 catches and a 50% catch rate a year. Dismal. This doesn’t happen at any other position, fans seem to love the underdog wr… there really should be a research study done.

1 points
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Thegravedigger's picture

August 17, 2021 at 01:50 am

Winfrey or begelton? Theyre gone after that game by funchess alone. Malik Taylor will be the odd man out because of Cobb. But it's all or nothing this year. I'd rather have Cobb in January. Wouldn't you?

0 points
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LambeauPlain's picture

August 16, 2021 at 02:03 pm

Pork Chop on a stick from the WI Pork Producers Assoc. And the Lion's Club sweet corn....always fresh. And cold beer every so often from the craft stands.

Never did get the bacon dipped in chocolate....durn!

-2 points
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SwedeBayPacker's picture

August 16, 2021 at 04:10 pm

Damn it, you've made me hungry

0 points
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TarynsEyes's picture

August 16, 2021 at 02:37 pm

"Jordan Love passes the eye test"

Seriously, was there any doubt that Love would get a passing grade from the optometrist that received his license to practice optometry from the school of 'Blind Optimist'?

I gave Love a Grade C with a belief improvement is likely over time. My issue is that Love showed there is no way he's ready to fill the shoes of Rodgers, as so many here screamed of just letting Rodgers go, and thinking the team will be just as good or close to it. Love's play proved he is far from ready and may need all of the 2022 season as well. So be nice to Rodgers because you need him, the team needs him, and MLF knows he needs him.

-17 points
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jurp's picture

August 16, 2021 at 03:30 pm

I strongly believe that we can lose an NFCCG with Love just as easily as with Rodgers. I also believe that we'll win our next SB with a QB not named Rodgers.

9 points
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3
Horrible4's picture

August 16, 2021 at 03:53 pm

Except preseason doesn't prove anything, dude had 1.5 seconds to throw on average because his left tackle was constantly getting beat. It's not the same situation when you have some no name undrafted tackle protecting your blindside and an all-pro in David Bahktriari.

For a young, extremely raw Quarterback that hadn't played in a game setting in 2 years, it was a respectable yet modest showing with some flashes. Love easily had the most impressive throw of any highly drafted quarterback in this recent draft throwing to Sternberger in the seam. Being able to complete that pass into the hole of zone coverage needs to be timed almost perfectly and be thrown precisely: too soon and low and the underneath linebacker picks it off, too soon and high and the safety has a chance at it, too late and it's likely an incompletion regardless of precision.

Not saying Jordan Love IS ready, there was a lot to like and hate but I think you're underestimating his ability as a passer. Besides Trevor Lawrence, he's the most talented passer of any Quarterback drafted in the last 2 seasons (albeit very raw, that's why he's not the starter).

If Justin Herbert can come out in his first NFL game with no preseason and basically show none of the issues he had in college, there's no reason Love can't. It's unlikely but there's nothing to suggest he isn't ready to start.

9 points
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TarynsEyes's picture

August 16, 2021 at 04:29 pm

You're seriously comparing Love to Herbert. Get a new optometrist, quick. This is exactly what I speak to and shows its truth. SMH.

-14 points
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Horrible4's picture

August 16, 2021 at 06:55 pm

I suppose if you want to get technical, it is a comparison. However, it's a prime example that preseason and college film at the end of the day isn't a fair analysis, and that goes both ways. I wasn't saying Jordan Love was going to come out and be as good as Herbert was, however, there was no excuse to say Jordan Love isn't ready neither. Because in truth, you don't know.

Edit: I'd like to say I'm more critical of this team than most fans, but Jordan Love was absolutely the right pick and was QB #2 for me in that draft class, unbelievable potential that only Trevor Lawrence and Kyler Murray could match in the last 3 draft classes.

6 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

August 16, 2021 at 09:37 pm

Herbert and Love will run parallel career paths. Miami blew their pick.

1 points
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CoachDino's picture

August 16, 2021 at 06:27 pm

Serious question - When you evaluate and grade - what are you comparing him to or is it against expectations?

To me and from what I heard from some analysts who looked at all the rookie QBs/his peers they had him graded the highest.

Now against a starting QB in the league I could see average as a starter. But considering having zero running game, limited time and not much separation he seemed impressive to me. Plus just the way he commanded the offense, progressions and most decisions.

But compared to AR its not and day. We are certainly spoiled and I for one am thankful AR is back for 1 more year.

4 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

August 16, 2021 at 09:29 pm

Still waiting for that Trade, maybe by 2023-24.

1 points
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CoachDino's picture

August 17, 2021 at 01:39 am

AR Trade? I was never for trading AR. Just the opposite. He had 3 years left, he had very little leverage. I'm very happy he's back as I'd hate to waste this roster on a developmental QB when you have AR under contract.

IMO though, with how they redid his contract, the 2022 cap and his "I want out" PR play, it would make the most sense and most likely already the mutual understanding to trade him. 2022 cap is beyond salvaging, if you trade him in 2022 you get something for him. If not he is a FA in 2023.

My hope is the packers become a Tenn Clone. Serviceable QB with a strong running game and roster by 2023 after a 1 year QB development and roster/cap rebuild in 2022.

Its that or become Atlanta - very good QB but weak roster due to the QB percentage of the cap.

2 points
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Matt Gonzales's picture

August 16, 2021 at 03:31 pm

Unrelated news, but Winslow has been released. Barring a late camp pickup Scott appears to have held his job for another year.

2 points
5
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Alberta_Packer's picture

August 16, 2021 at 04:09 pm

Might have been better to release the punt coverage team.

9 points
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jont's picture

August 16, 2021 at 05:53 pm

Both kicked well against the Texans so it was overall performance during camp. JK must have shown the consistency everyone said he needed to keep his spot on the roster. Good news.

0 points
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SwedeBayPacker's picture

August 16, 2021 at 04:15 pm

I've watched the Love highlights vid from the game a couple of times, and there's definitely something there. Pure, unfiltered talent and a howitzer arm if nothing else. Is he the future? He might just be.

In all honesty I haven't been this hyped for the preseason in ages. Are we getting the QB trifecta of success? A man can dream :D

10 points
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Alberta_Packer's picture

August 16, 2021 at 06:05 pm

*What I wanted to see most from Love in his first game was progress - not brilliance - as progress is more sustainable. Process + progress = proficiency. So far - so good.

*Caveat emptor - the "new" Oren Burks. It seems that if he is going forward and in a straight line - he can be useful. However if he has to move laterally or backwards - I posit that he remains the "old" Oren Burks (and LB's do spend a good deal of their time moving laterally and backwards).

* "Yes" to Clay Mathews - for a frat re-union. "No" - if building a championship team.

* Kurt Benkert - looks good on drives of 3 plays or less. More than 3 plays - diminishing returns / looming disaster. Not unusual for a rookie. training camp, third QB.

3 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

August 16, 2021 at 09:42 pm

Cut the Burk.

0 points
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Since'61's picture

August 16, 2021 at 04:52 pm

I thought Love was solid for his first effort in the NFL. Beyond that he has a long way to go. One practice, one game at a time. Let’s have patience and give him a chance.
Thanks, Since ‘61

12 points
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Todd's picture

August 16, 2021 at 07:33 pm

A reasonable, measured post like usual, Since'61, Love isn't expected to be Rodgers at this point, just like Rodgers wasn't expected to be Favre after only a year in the NFL. Patience and give him a chance.

4 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

August 16, 2021 at 09:42 pm

He should be ready by 2023 and a good trade candidate.

-1 points
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Thegravedigger's picture

August 17, 2021 at 01:54 am

Yeah. And who's gonna be the Qb? Tyrod Taylor?

1 points
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ricky's picture

August 16, 2021 at 04:57 pm

Love is a work in progress, as we've all known. What bothers me more about the throw to Amari Rodgers was the ball seemed to lack zip/oomph/power, whatever you want to call it. If the ball had been thrown harder, it could have been a completion. To be fair, the coaches talked about Love's need to trust his instincts more, and just let the ball fly when he has to throw into a tight spot. As far as Burks doing well, good for him. Different players develop at different rates, as we've seen with MVS, James Jones, Rashan Gary and others. It's good he played with intensity and effectiveness. But whether this means the "light has gone on" or whether he's simply playing above his ability due to desperation is something the coaches will have to evaluate.

-4 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

August 16, 2021 at 09:46 pm

Footwork is the key to quarterbacking in the NFL. He will be getting the Walsh tutorial via the Hackett connection.
Footwork and torque. He'll be ready in a couple years.

1 points
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croatpackfan's picture

August 17, 2021 at 04:00 am

If he will work hard and more than standard practicing time allowed to team to have, he can speed up his development significantly. But those extra practicing must be performed by himself only. As I understood correctly, team has limitation how much practice they can ask and perform from players.

Between footwork and zip on the ball, he should improve his throwing motions and, what is invaluable, learn to recognize opponent's D before snap, and how to take that recognition for him and his team. That will be the longest and the hardest part of the job.

If he will be able to achieve that goals in the next 3 years, Packers will have 3rd HOF QB on the roster!

0 points
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stockholder's picture

August 16, 2021 at 05:27 pm

NO- I'M NOT GIVING LOVE ANY GRADE. If the guy can't throw like Rodgers or Favre.(ZIP) That tells you he can't be compared to either. While he could turn out to be a decent QB. It's still a game of poker. - It's all a Bluff. I say - The QB carrousel is about to start. Burks is Joe Thomas. He was compared to him when they drafted him. No rock here. Uniforms - Gold please. CM3- I get why they want him. But I still believe the real reason is HGH. Fairs are still fun. Even the old movies.

-10 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

August 16, 2021 at 09:51 pm

Burks has a future in Canada.

-2 points
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canadapacker's picture

August 16, 2021 at 05:33 pm

Love passed the eye test - and he gets a boo-boo from a strip sack? He is nowhere close to being ready if he cant play against the number 2's of another team with a rookie coach against a team that has had whole bunch of turmoil all offseason long. One dump of went for a TD - a lot of QB's can dump the ball off and let the RB go.

I want to see him throw it long - I want to see him throw an out on a dime - I want to see him throw a back shoulder to a covered guy down the sidelines I want him to loft a ball to a running back running a wheel route I want to see him fire a 20 yarder into tight window on a curl . I want to see him throw a pass on the run accurately to an open receiver in the endzone. I want to see him get the other team to jump offside. Pass the eye test - need glasses people

-11 points
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Bure9620's picture

August 16, 2021 at 08:40 pm

He is playing against 2s but also with 2s and 3s.... His O-line was dominated and there was also no running game at all.

4 points
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canadapacker's picture

August 17, 2021 at 09:18 am

Other number 2's on other teams performed well against number 2's - yes our Oline played badly but teams have Olines that play badly - I still want to see him throw the ffnnn ball long. If you cant throw the ball accurately long then the whole offense stalls because they will bring everybody forward. That is why I was not impressed.

-3 points
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Swisch's picture

August 16, 2021 at 06:12 pm

I don't know what Love could have done better.
He may have missed one open receiver, if that receiver was in the right place. That's about it.
He was decisive and quick and accurate and poised -- and did so behind a makeshift offensive line that struggled.
Perhaps studying the film would reveal mistakes, but he looked really good to this largely untrained eye.
There are many more tests to come for Love, I realize, but he seemed to do all he could with this first opportunity under intense scrutiny.
Grade: A.
Grade taking into account the intense scrutiny: A+.

7 points
8
1
marpag1's picture

August 16, 2021 at 09:10 pm

Actually, no, I think I'll pass on the Kurt Benkert hype. Admit it... when he was cross-steppin' his way behind the line with the rush bearing down on him, you just KNEW he was going to go full bore TJ Rubley and float that God-awful pick. Add a botched snap to that and you have two turnovers in 26 snaps.

Apparently today in practice he got picked by............ Josh Jackson. Hmm.

-2 points
2
4
MarkinMadison's picture

August 16, 2021 at 09:13 pm

Upon further review, not double-coverage. Agreed. But as you say, still more Farve than Rodgers. Still throwing to a well-covered receiver with safety help over the top. I like that he had the confidence to put the ball in the spot, but if he is off there things could have gone badly.

Nijman gave up the strip but I stand by my assessment that he otherwise did "o.k." against the competition he was faced with. Not thrilled with him. I've been one of his biggest critics here since Day 1. But you have to acknowledge that the Packers gave him a long look and he was o.k. If you look at the clips above, in the first does a nice job of controlling #54. In the second, he gets bullied back towards the QB's lap, but there is no sack, #50 is maybe directed behind the QB, and the QB has 3 seconds and gets the ball away. In the second. Not beautiful, but we've seen worse.

1 points
2
1
Jonathan Spader's picture

August 17, 2021 at 01:37 am

Could Clay Matthews come back in a LB assistant coaching role? Not sure he'd want to but Kevin Greene thrived as a LB coach from what I heard. Thoughts?

-2 points
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canadapacker's picture

August 17, 2021 at 09:19 am

I would hope that they get Love back to practice. Hangnail or sore shoulder – he needs to prove that he can play banged up and he is not supposed to be a china doll. If it is what they say that it is a bruised shoulder with no internal damage – let him play with it – or at least practice with it until the next preseason game – if he can mover or throw then that is more serious that what they are saying, But the time is now to get the reps – and even get the reps when banged up – the team needs to know.

-4 points
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4
Bearmeat's picture

August 17, 2021 at 02:30 pm

He certainly did pass the eye test. He's not Mahomes... (yet) ;) but he looks like he will be a top 15 starter at least and the ceiling is higher. I'm VERY encouraged.

1 points
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0