Jordan Love has the tools to ascend to MVP heights. He was just missing one final ingredient.
In part due to injuries last season, Love rarely took off and hurt defenses on the ground. Defenses adjusted by showing man-heavy looks, which became painfully evident in the Green Bay Packers' home loss to the Detroit Lions as Love hopped around due to a groin injury. It's an area Matt LaFleur has emphasized with his quarterback this summer.
"When the opportunity presents itself, you've got to use your legs," LaFleur told Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. And it's already paying off.
Jordan Love is unlocking the final missing piece to his game at Packers training camp
It already sounds like Love has taken LaFleur's message on board.
"Love's rushing yards dipped from 247 to 83 year-over. He didn't hesitate to roll out of the pocket and outrun a few defenders toward the sideline during the day I visited," writes Fowler.
Even when Love is at 100 percent, using his athleticism to run is an area that can elevate his game, and this offense, to another level. Packers fans and analysts have begged for this subtle change of approach, and LaFleur agrees.
The Packers had no answers when teams eased off their zone coverages and went man-heavy. Part of the blame falls on the receivers, who didn't consistently get open against man, but it also creates opportunities for Love to run.
The elite quarterbacks don't just win through the air, but by knowing when to take off. It's not about adding designed run plays, but understanding when defenses provide those opportunities. Aaron Rodgers mastered that element of his game in Green Bay. So has Patrick Mahomes in Kansas City.
If defenses go man-heavy and nobody is open, there's a good chance a rushing lane has opened up for the quarterback. And Love showed he can run in 2023, most notably on a 37-yard rush to all but seal a stunning victory over the Lions on Thanksgiving.
Injuries undoubtedly limited Love's mobility last season. He suffered an MCL sprain in Week 1 and then played through a groin issue before the bye in Week 9.
Love noted this offseason that he had to improve his scrambling and footwork, and LaFleur has smartly made it a point of emphasis.
It sure sounds like it's already paying off. The best is yet to come from Love.