Carson Palmer: Packers have looming quarterback decision waiting at end of season

It’s been a rough week for the Green Bay Packers. After Aaron Rodgers tested positive for COVID-19, they were forced to start second-year quarterback Jordan Love against the Kansas City Chiefs. His stat line was less than impressive, as they lost 13-7.

Looking ahead to the future, Green Bay knows their time with Rodgers is coming to an end. Love was supposed to be the next great quarterback within the franchise. But according to Carson Palmer, after the performance on Sunday, the Packers will have to decide if that’s still true.

“Well, the Packers organization has a massive decision to make, as we all know, at the end of this season and that was the worst-case scenario,” Palmer said on the Dan Patrick Show Monday morning. “All Jordan [Love] had to do was go out and complete 20 of 32 passes for 250 yards and two touchdowns. Unfourtanetly, they were inept on offense. They could hardly move the ball, he looked like a rookie in his first opportunity to get on the field. He had no rhythm, no timing. There were a couple of balls he threw to Davante Adams that Davante was the most confused guy on the field. It was worst-case scenario.”

Palmer brought up how Rodgers performed well out of the gate after replacing Brett Farve as the starter. He said Love did not even need to perform at that kind of level, just “somewhat successful.” Instead, the former Utah State man looked lost more times than not.

“He didn’t have to go out and light it up like Aaron did in his first chance to play after Brett Farve left,” said Palmer. “You know, Aaron went out and put on a show. He didn’t have to do that. He just needed to go out and move the ball and look somewhat successful. Unfourtanently, it went the opposite direction, they couldn’t move the ball. The Packers have a massive decision to make at the end of this year.”

Green Bay needs Aaron Rodgers on Sunday

Bringing it back to the present where a huge game against the Seattle Seahawks hangs in the balance. The Packers are still in the hunt for the top seed in the NFC but Rodgers’ status is in question.

Even if it’s only a day’s notice, Palmer thinks Green Bay has to start Rodgers if they want a chance to win. Even if Russell Wilson is not fully healthy and ready to go.

“If Aaron comes back, right before next week’s game against Seattle — it was so bad on offense if Aaron is available to play, he has to play to keep them in the playoff hunt for that No. 1 seed in the NFC. If they have to go with Jordan again, it looks like they may not be able to beat a Russell Wilson-less Seahawk team.”

Love’s finished with 190 yards, a touchdown, and an interception on 19 of 34 passing. Green Bay special teams did not help the young quarterback in any way but Matt Lafleur cannot feel good about the future of the position at the moment.