No Love Lost: The Green Bay Packers Quarterback Conundrum
The Green Bay Packers (4-8) lose another close game. This time at the hands of first place Philadelphia Eagles (10-1). Except it might have cost them more than a shot at the division. Late into the game in the second half, QB Aaron Rodgers suffered a shot to his ribs. Causing him discomfort in his […]
The Green Bay Packers (4-8) lose another close game. This time at the hands of first place Philadelphia Eagles (10-1). Except it might have cost them more than a shot at the division.
Late into the game in the second half, QB Aaron Rodgers suffered a shot to his ribs. Causing him discomfort in his abdominal area and making it hard for him to breathe. Another injury to add to his already hurt body.
Despite what's a nasty injury to deal with, the expectation is for Rodgers to play. Assuming he is medically cleared.
But should he?
True, the idea of NOT playing the back-to-back MVP may sound sacrilegious. However, he and the offense is struggling this season.
Injuries have kept key weapons and offensive linemen in and out of the Packers lineup all season.
Even with the emergence of rookie WRs Romeo Doubs (expected back before the end of the season) and Christian Watson (six touchdowns the last three games), the offense needs juice.
Third-year QB Jordan Love filled in for Aaron Rodgers and looked more like a first round quarterback in his short stint than at any point in his short career.
Love only threw nine passes, completing six of them for 113 yards and an impressive touchdown. Due in large part to the breakaway speed of Watson.
Even more impressive was how Love maneuvered in the pocket. Evading pressure, throwing darts on the run, playing with poise. All things Rodgers (normally) does with ease.
However, it's not just the impressive play of Love that has warranted another go, but the uncertain health of Rodgers and future of the Green Bay Packers organization.
Rodgers is clearly not healthy. Whether it's his thumb, his ribs, his back, his mental health, etc. A week off could do him some good.
It would also give the Packers front office and coaching staff an extra look at their former first round quarterback. To date, Jordan Love only has one start. If he were to play like he did on Sunday night for and entire game, it would make things interesting down the line.
Can the Packers afford to hold onto Rodgers even after signing a massive extension? Is there perhaps viable trade value in Jordan Love? Are the playoffs still a realistic shot with five games to go?
Rodgers may expect to play if cleared but it may benefit everyone to give Love a full time start. This weekend against the archrival Chicago Bears.
There is more at stake than a simple Sunday game. The past, present and future will all take part.
Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
