Jordan Love shuts down critics of his play

When a quarterback is asked to replace a legend, there are always going to be some critics. That has certainly been the case for Packers quarterback Jordan Love, taking over for Aaron Rodgers, who left for the Jets in the offseason.

Love faced plenty of harsh criticism throughout the offseason. But so far? Green Bay owns a 2-1 record, tied with the Lions atop the NFC North standings. It’s still early, obviously, but it’s a solid start for a first-year starting quarterback.

Sunday, Love led the Packers to an 18-17 victory over the Saints. He completed 22-of-44 passes for 259 yards with a touchdown and an interception. Those numbers might not sound great, but the real heroics came late in the game.

Green Bay overcame a 17-0 halftime deficit, capped by a nine-play, 80-yard touchdown drive with less than three minutes in the game. Love hit Romeo Doubs in the endzone on an eight-yard strike to give the Packers the lead — which ultimately proved to be the winning score.

After the game, Pro Football Talk spoke with Love about proving the critics wrong from the offseason.

“Yeah, man, it’s out there for sure,” Love said. “You know, something that I’ve been hearing a lot of that stuff since I got drafted. It’s one of those things that it’s kind of in one ear, out the other . . . because I know the position I’m in. All quarterbacks in the NFL are in a pretty scrutinized position. You know, you can’t let that stuff affect you.

“I just stay true to who I am and confident in myself, confident in my team. I don’t get you know flustered by anything I hear or anything that’s out there because, you know, who are they to tell me who I am as a player?”

Love has been solid under center for Green Bay through the first three weeks. His completion percentage sits under 60% — not ideal for an NFL starter. But he’s also thrown for 655 yards with seven touchdowns and just one interception.

The quarterback also accounted for his first rushing touchdown in Sunday’s win over New Orleans.

Without question, Love still has plenty of room for improvement. But through the first three games? Green Bay sits with a 2-1 record and Love has tossed just one interception. That’s not a bad start.

Love and the Packers have a short week upcoming, hosting Detroit on Thursday Night Football. Kickoff is set for 8:15 p.m. ET with the game airing on Amazon Prime Video.