by # Jordan Love’s Summer of Growth
The Green Bay Packers’ 2021 season ended in disappointment, falling short of the playoffs after injuries decimated their roster. While reigning MVP Aaron Rodgers remains at quarterback, all eyes are on backup Jordan Love and whether he can step up if called upon in 2022. This offseason, Love has been putting in the work to ensure he’s ready for any opportunity.
## Stepping Into a Bigger Role
Entering his third NFL season, Jordan Love knows the expectations on him have grown substantially since being drafted in the first round in 2020. As the presumptive quarterback of the future in Green Bay, he’ll need to show strides in his development for the Packers to feel confident in their long-term plans under center.
“It’s definitely a bigger role than my first two years,” Love said. “I’m still learning every day but I feel a lot more comfortable overall. The game is starting to slow down.”
Love saw limited action as a rookie, attempting just 7 passes in mop-up duty of a blowout win. Last season, a shoulder injury to Rodgers opened the door for Love to receive more practice reps. However, he remained inactive on gamedays as the veteran starter played through pain.
Now with another offseason to study and improve, Love says he’s ready if called upon. “I feel like I understand the offense at a whole other level. It’s about trusting my preparation now if I get out there on Sundays.”
## Hitting the Weight Room
A key part of Love’s offseason preparation has been strengthening his body to withstand the NFL grind. At just 6’4″ and 224 pounds coming out of Utah State, his slight frame raised questions about his ability to stay healthy as a pro.
Love has made adding bulk and power a priority in the weight room. Packers director of performance and rehabilitation Charlie Wenger says Love’s commitment to the weight program has been impressive.
“He’s really focused on building overall functional strength. We’re targeting his core, shoulders, and lower body especially. Those are areas that take a pounding as a quarterback.”
Over the past six months, Love has packed on over 10 pounds of muscle while maintaining his speed and agility. His bench press max has jumped by 30 pounds to 285.
“The weight room is so important at this level. You have to be able to stand in there and make all the throws no matter what’s happening around you,” said Love. “Feeling stronger has given me a lot more confidence already.”
## Film Study Marathon
While bulking up his physique, Love has also been bulking up his mental library by exhaustively reviewing game film. He estimates spending at least 20 hours per week breaking down clips, both from Packers games and around the league.
“I’m studying not just our offense but defenses as well. Understanding tendencies and how different coordinators try to disguise their coverages,” explained Love. “It’s about recognizing things before they happen on the field.”
Love says the detailed self-scouting has allowed him to critically analyze his own performances in practice. He’s identified areas like footwork, pocket presence, and progressions that need sharpening. The classroom work should pay off.
“Coach LaFleur and the offensive staff put in so much time crafting our gameplans. As quarterback, you have to be the expert on not just Xs and Os but also the psychology of the position.”
## Training with Private QB Coach
While the Packers facilities and coaching staff provide the foundation, Love sought additional instruction from a private quarterbacks trainer. He linked up with former NFL signal caller George Whitfield, who has tutored stars like Cam Newton and Andrew Luck.
Over several sessions in San Diego, Whitfield focused on refining the technical aspects of Love’s game. They broke down tape of Love’s throws inch by inch, zeroing in on minute details like drop depth, weight transfer, and release point.
“George really slowed things down and made me hyper aware of my mechanics. We did a lot of drill work that I could feel making an instant difference,” said Love. “I’m more consistent now with my footwork and throwing motion.”
Love also got mental reps by going through progressions against Whitfield’s complex defensive schemes. The one-on-one tutelage helped speed up Love’s internal clock when reading the field. He feels more natural now making pre-snap adjustments.
“Having that individual time with George was so valuable. He’s been around so many great QBs and knows all the little things it takes to succeed at this level. I’m a much cleaner passer because of the work we put in.”
## 7-on-7 Work With Teammates
While the weight room, film study, and private sessions helped Love hone his individual skills, he also organized 7-on-7 passing drills with Packers skill players. Running back AJ Dillon, tight end Marcedes Lewis, and receivers Randall Cobb, Sammy Watkins, and Romeo Doubs all participated.
“We got together a few times a week when guys were in town. Just going through our full progression reads and letting it fly,” said Love. “It was good competitive work and a chance for me to build chemistry before training camp.”
The informal throwing sessions allowed Love to test out the mechanical adjustments he’d been making. With live defenders, he could put his footwork, eyes, and delivery to the test under pressure. His teammates also gave feedback on ball placement and timing.
“Those guys really challenged me. They know this offense inside and out, so if a ball wasn’t exactly where it needed to be, they’d let me hear about it,” Love laughed. “It was good for the competitiveness. And I think it’ll pay off when we get back together officially.”
## Private QB/WR Work With Doubs
One of Love’s top targets during those summer passing drills was rookie wideout Romeo Doubs. Undrafted out of Nevada, Doubs quickly impressed the Packers staff with his route-running polish and reliable hands.
Seeing an opportunity to form a bond, Love personally reached out to Doubs about getting some one-on-one work in Green Bay. Over multiple sessions, the two focused on building trust and chemistry.
“Romeo is super talented. I wanted to get as many reps with him as possible before camp to get on the same page,” said Love. “We worked on timing, adjusting to throws, and just getting comfortable with each other out there.”
Doubs echoed the value of the extra training. “Jordan is a talented quarterback. Being able to get extra throws in and learn his tendencies has been big for me. We really connected on some deeper balls and option routes.”
The Packers will need playmakers to emerge around Love if called upon. By taking the initiative to connect with Doubs early, Love may have found an unexpected new weapon ready to contribute. Their summer work could pay off in a big way.
## Stepping Into the Spotlight
As training camp approaches, Jordan Love feels as prepared mentally and physically as he ever has. While Aaron Rodgers remains the clear starter, Love understands the pressure that comes with his draft status and role as the heir apparent.
“I don’t feel any added pressure from the outside. The expectations I have for myself are high enough,” said Love. “All I can do is keep grinding, learning from Aaron, and controlling what I can control every day.”
If called upon in 2022, the Packers will need Love to command the huddle with poise and make smart decisions. His summer diligence should serve him well. From bulking up his frame to exhaustively studying the playbook, Love left no stone unturned in his development.
Now it’s time to see if all that offseason work translates to results under the bright lights of Lambeau Field. While Rodgers remains in his prime, Love may not have to wait much longer for his shot. The Packers hope their first round pick from 2020 will be ready when his number is called.
