The Green Bay Packers picked up an impressive 35-25 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday Night Football, improving the team's record to 5-1-1. In a game that was about Aaron Rodgers facing off against his former team, it was Rodgers' replacement, Jordan Love, who stole the show. The Packers quarterback completed 29 of 37 passes for 360 yards and three touchdowns.
Following the game, Rodgers had high praise for the quarterback he helped mentor. The Steelers QB told media members that Love played fantastic. He went on to praise the young quarterback's entire body of work this season.
"He played great. Played fantastic. He's had a really nice season. He's been really efficient with the football," said Rodgers, via Ryan Wood of the Green Bay Press-Gazette. "He's opportunistic, though. I felt like he was very patient tonight. They took the run solutions. He took the check-downs, moved in the pocket well. Thought he played really well."
Aaron Rodgers praises Jordan Love's play style after losing to Packers
After watching up close, Rodgers acknowledged the growth in Love that many have observed this season. The quarterback, who already established himself as one of the game's best young passers, has taken things to another level this season.
In seven games, Love is completing 70.9 percent of his passes for 1,798 yards, 13 touchdowns, and just two interceptions. He's on track to post career highs across the board, and it looks that way each week he takes the field.
Rodgers certainly played a role in Love's development, as the younger quarterback sat behind Rodgers for three seasons. Both sides have talked about their relationship and the bond they developed during those three seasons. With Love now playing the best football of his career and getting a win against Rodgers and the Steelers on Sunday, he is no longer in the Hall of Famer's shadow.
More importantly, Green Bay is winning. The Packers have a really good offense and defense, and that's why they are 5-1-1 after eight weeks of the NFL season. Additionally, Love has seemingly taken the next step to help lead the team on a deep postseason run.