Mobility at the quarterback position has long been a feature for the Green Bay Packers. Of course, it’s not as though the franchise has ever employed the likes of Lamar Jackson or Michael Vick, but Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers could certainly move around and pick up some hidden yardage when necessary.
Arguably, the best scrambler on the team at the moment is Malik Willis, but even he toned down his running last season when he stepped into the starting role for a few games. He only rushed 20 times for 138 yards, six first downs, and a score last season.
But even that small sample size from Willis was more than starter Jordan Love last year. Love rushed 25 times for 83 yards, nine first downs, and one touchdown in 2024, a significant drop from the 247 yards, 16 first downs, and four scores he had in his first season as the starter.
Jordan Love sees room to grow as a mobile threat in Packers offense
Maybe that’s why Love is aiming to run the ball more in 2025. On Wednesday, Love mentioned to the media that he’s aware that he missed some opportunities to pick up easy yards on the ground last year.
“I think every game there was a couple options or instances where I could’ve took off and run,” Love said via The Athletic. “I think early on, some of it was with the injury, just not wanting to get out and do as much, but I think even later in the season, there was a lot of opportunities for me. You look back and you’re like, ‘Man, I could’ve took off and run.’”
Of course, Love missed some time with a knee injury from Week 1, and he also had a groin injury pop up in Week 8. Even if Love hasn’t been known to be the most electric scrambler, it’s understandable why he stayed in the pocket in 2024.
READ MORE: Matt LaFleur’s plan is quietly fueling a Packers breakout nobody sees coming
In the same vein, it’s not as though Love doesn’t have a solid offensive line and great weapons around him. He was pressured 100 times, which ranks 20th, and was hit 49 times, which was the 10th-highest mark. As for the weapons, Love was impressive in short-yardage situations. He completed 66 percent of his passes and picked up 25 first downs through the air with three or fewer yards to gain. He didn’t have to scramble.
Nonetheless, it’s a feature that adds to the offense. With playmakers all across the offense, opposing defenses shouldn’t enjoy the luxury of overlooking Love as a scrambling threat. Besides, if scrambling keeps the Packers offense moving and leads to more wins, then the fans in Lambeau will enjoy the show.