The Green Bay Packers annual Family Night was, perhaps, more highly anticipated this year than in years past. Of course, a large part of that is due to the fact that Jordan Love is taking over for four-time MVP and future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers as the team’s starting quarterback.
Speaking Rodgers, the Packers’ all-time leader in multiple passing categories was (and still is) known to be somewhat of a magician with the football. He showcased this ability early in his career and has made quite the career off of making throws that most quarterbacks could only dream of making.
While it is unfair to expect Love to be as good (or better than) Rodgers, some of the throws he made on Family Night should remind fans of his all-time great predecessor.
Green Bay Packers Quarterback Jordan Love Reminds Fans of Aaron Rodgers on Family Night
Last season aside, Rodgers was adept at throwing magical passes in the red zone that would thread throw defenders’ arms and hands and into those of his pass catchers. Such was the case in his very first year starting, 2008, in a game against the Minnesota Vikings:
Aaron Rodgers’ first TD pass to Greg Jennings would be his only as a backup. His next new target would catch a TD in the 2008 opener vs. the Vikings, Rodgers’ first start.
Here’s one of the most impressive 1-yard TD passes you’ll see to Korey Hall, number 2 on the list of 45. pic.twitter.com/yLri70MFLV
— sam. (@sammwichh) September 27, 2022
As seen in the video, Rodgers dances around in the pocket, avoids several sack attempts, and threads a bullet of a pass to Korey Hall in the end zone.
Flash forward 15 years to Family Night. Rodgers is a New York Jet and Love has taken over as quarterback. During a red zone drill, Love throws a touchdown to Aaron Jones that reminded many of Rodgers’ first touchdown pass as a starter back in ’08:
Jordan Love the playmaker pic.twitter.com/1IPzRT9MyE
— Peter Bukowski (@Peter_Bukowski) August 6, 2023
As seen in this video, Love avoids would be “sack attempts” and rolls out of the pocket. He then throws across his body and threads a needle of defenders to find Jones in the end zone.
As mentioned, the red zone offense left a great deal to be desired last season. It will not take much for there to be any kind of improvement in that area in 2023, but if Love can continue to make plays like this one in the regular season, that improvement could be greater than others may think.
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