Jordan Love has proven he can provide Pro Bowl-quality play, which is why the Green Bay Packers made him one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the NFL. Finding consistency will help him reach stardom.
Love's second season starting mirrored his first for several reasons. In 2023, he threw 10 interceptions in the opening nine games but only one in the final eight. In 2024, Love had 11 picks in his first eight contests but zero in the final seven.
However, Love lacked the same end-of-season MVP-level play this time around. The explosive passing plays disappeared late in the year.
Part of the blame falls on his receivers. According to Pro Football Reference, only the Cleveland Browns had a higher drop percentage than the Packers.
Love must also find a balance between taking risks and being too conservative. We saw both this season. He must improve his accuracy and consistency, which starts with his footwork.
Jordan Love understands he must improve his footwork to reach the next level in 2025
How often does Love drop back and sling a ball 30 yards off his back foot? It's understandable why he trusts his arm to do the work. More often than not, he is proven right. However, failing to set his feet leads to inaccuracy far too much, and it's an area he must improve.
Fortunately, Love is well aware and agrees. While appearing on ESPN's NFL Live, Dan Orlovsky asked Love where he needs to improve this offseason.
"Consistency. I think it all starts with my feet with me, and just being consistent with my footwork," said Love. "At times, my feet get off and the accuracy goes. Just continuing to focus on those things when getting into the game. It's easy to do throughout the week, but when you get into the game and your brain shuts off, just to be able to go back on all those coaching points I worked on throughout the offseason."
Orlovsky loved the answer. Maybe he would've been a good quarterback coach, after all.
The former NFL quarterback-turned-analyst has pounded the table for Love to improve his footwork, not just when setting his feet but also when using his legs to take off and run.
Mina Kimes asked a follow-up question about whether Love could scramble more in 2025.
"Definitely. That's one of those areas, going back and watching the tape, that's something I want to be able to improve and take my game to that next level," said Love. "The injuries did not help me in that aspect this year. Obviously, not an excuse, but that's definitely something I'm going to work on."
It's refreshing to hear Love talk about the need for better footwork. Like Aaron Rodgers and Brett Favre, we know he can throw off-platform, even with both feet off the ground. But there's a time and place for it. Love needs to set his foundation to improve his accuracy more often.
If he can achieve that and show more willingness to rush for yards, look out. In 2023, Love showed he could escape the pocket and scramble, but a combination of knee and groin injuries may have limited that part of his game this season.
Love can become a star. Improving in these areas will elevate his play to the next level.