Pick by pick, Matt LaFleur explains what went wrong for Jordan Love and the Packers offense
The Green Bay Packers had a strong offensive performance in 2024. Third in DVOA, eight in EPA/play, 14th in success rate. But the feeling around it is not as positive, mostly because the unit regressed late in the season—which included a disastrous 10-point performance in the playoff loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. The bad performance […]
The Green Bay Packers had a strong offensive performance in 2024. Third in DVOA, eight in EPA/play, 14th in success rate. But the feeling around it is not as positive, mostly because the unit regressed late in the season—which included a disastrous 10-point performance in the playoff loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.
The bad performance included three interceptions from quarterback Jordan Love, who finished the wild card round as the worst-graded QB according to PFF and second worst in passing grades, only ahead of Sam Darnold.
Even though Love had four turnover-worthy plays and three picks, further evaluation shows that the problems go well beyond the quarterback.
During his final press conference of the season on Tuesday, head coach Matt LaFleur explained how each turnover happened—and why it might not be as negative for Love as the pure numbers would indicate.
First interception
On the first play that was picked, Eagles cornerback Darius Slay made a great play to keep the inside leverage against Dontayvion Wicks.
"The pick that Slay had was a heck of a play," LaFleur said. "You wanna talk about the little details, we had an opportunity to stack him. Yes, the ball was a little inside, but you gotta make sure that we stack him in that situation. That was a great job by him grabbing his wrist, slingshot himself. He made a hell of a catch."
Before the pass was thrown, Wicks should have stacked Slay, a technique that allows the receiver to gain an advantage and to create some space.
Second interception
The second one seems to be a clear mistake by Jordan Love watching on TV, but that's why it's important to have the full details of how a play is designed. LaFleur explained that wide receiver Malik Heath ran his route at the wrong place, and that caused Love to perceive a space he wouldn't have.
"The second pick, again, details. That route has gotta be run at 20 yards, we ran 15 yards. That ball should never be that far," LaFleur added. "So, like, I saw what Jordan saw. There's an open hole in the defense. But when you're not at the right route depth, bad things happen."
Off-ball linebacker Zack Baun left the coverage of tight end Tucker Kraft and jumped on the pass to make the play.
Third interception
That was certainly the one where Jordan Love was more to blame. He underthrew the pass intended for Bo Melton in the end zone, and rookie cornerback Quinyon Mitchell picked it off. LaFleur pointed out, though, that linebacker Zack Baun should have been called for defensive pass interference, and that's ultimately why Melton didn't have a shot to fight for a ball that was a Hail Mary of sorts.
"The last one, I mean, obviously it was a prayer throwing one up," LaFleur said. "You got Bo (Melton) and a linebacker. Was the ball underthrown? Yes, it was. Did he get contact before the ball was there? Yes, he did. It is what it is."
Jordan Love certainly has areas of his game to improve upon, and LaFleur mentioned consistency in the footwork and vocal leadership as two points of emphasis. At the same time, there's a lot more to blame than the quarterback, and Love is still valued by the coaching staff and by the Packers.
Packers Free Agency Primer: Who hits the market and who will or won’t get back in 2025
Green Bay has 18 players with expiring deals
