Aaron Rodgers broke the Dallas Cowboys' hearts over the years, but even he never put together a performance quite like this. Jordan Love enjoyed an all-time playoff display as the Green Bay Packers crushed the Cowboys in the NFC Wild Card Round.
The Packers didn't get the national respect they deserved entering the playoffs. Those who have watched this team closely knew what Love was capable of.
But even fans predicting a win couldn't have expected this. Love ripped apart the Cowboys' fifth-ranked scoring defense, completing 16 of 21 passes for 272 yards, three touchdowns, and a near-perfect 157.2 rating. Per ESPN, Love's 99.3 QBR is the best in any NFL playoff game ever.
The Packers' offense put up 41 points on a Cowboys defense that had only allowed more than 20 points at home once this season.
It was an MVP performance from a quarterback who has been as good as any in the league in the second half of the season. In the past nine games, Love has thrown 21 touchdown passes with only one interception.
Packers coach Matt LaFleur is 'proud' after Jordan Love's record day
Packers head coach Matt LaFleur struggled to put into words how impressed he was with Love's performance.
"Man, Jordan Love. Wow. That's about all I can say, is wow," said LaFleur. "What he did, and the poise he shows, the command he shows."
LaFleur referenced Love's touchdown pass to Dontayvion Wicks. Facing a third-and-7, Love recognized the Cowboys were bringing pressure and changed his protection. It helped buy him time to hit a beautiful pass to Wicks for a 20-yard touchdown.
"What a moment for him. To me, that was a big-time play. It just shows the growth he's had from his first start versus KC to now. I'm so proud and happy for him. He's a dude. He is a real dude," said LaFleur.
The LaFleur-Love combination is rolling. LaFleur called a great game, and Love executed it at an MVP level.
Green Bay had the foot on the accelerator all game. Even with a 41-16 lead in the fourth quarter, LaFleur went for it on fourth down from the Cowboys' three-yard line. Love threw a rocket to Romeo Doubs for the touchdown, putting the icing on the cake of a masterclass from the head coach and quarterback.
With these two working together, the sky is the limit for the Packers.