In Thursday’s matchup against the Detroit Lions, the Green Bay Packers managed their first two drives with an unconventional approach, opting for six consecutive pass plays. However, it resulted in back-to-back three-and-outs. The struggles were evident in Jordan Love’s performance, and he encountered considerable difficulties. Love managed to connect on only one of his four pass attempts, yielding nine yards while enduring two sacks.
Green Bay’s offensive line performance was consistently subpar throughout the night, which was particularly evident in the alarming uptick in sacks. Love had been sacked just three times in the first three weeks of the season. But on Thursday, Detroit sacked him five times. It was even more concerning that every lineman allowed at least two pressures per PFF. In the face of such formidable pressure, the imperative of getting the ball out of Love’s hands quickly became abundantly clear. Quick-release passes were crucial for protecting Love.
Meanwhile, as the Packers grappled with their early offensive woes, Matt LaFleur’s play-calling choices were perplexing. Despite facing a formidable Lions defensive front led by Aidan Hutchinson, the Packers persistently leaned on long-developing pass plays.
That strategic decision placed an added burden on an already beleaguered offensive line, which was dealing with injuries and struggling to contain the relentless pressure from Detroit’s defensive unit. LaFleur’s commitment to downfield throws, even in such challenging circumstances, raised questions about the team’s situational awareness and adaptability in protecting their young quarterback.
Adding to the situation’s complexity is Love’s known tendency to start games slowly, only hitting his stride as the contest unfolds. Therefore, it becomes paramount for LaFleur and Green Bay’s coaching staff to tailor their play-calling strategy accordingly. Providing Love with easier, shorter completions in the early stages of the game can help him establish a rhythm and gradually build his confidence.
That approach not only reduces the pressure on Love but also sets a foundation upon which the young quarterback can thrive as the game progresses. Balancing the need for explosive plays with the necessity of a steady, confidence-boosting start becomes pivotal in Green Bay’s mission to protect and empower its emerging signal-caller.
Curiously, the Packers’ coaching staff made a somewhat puzzling decision when they first handed the ball to Aaron Jones, their most dynamic offensive weapon, trailing 24-3. Jones was returning from a hamstring injury on a short week, which warranted a cautious approach. With only seven touches in total, it’s safe to say Jones was on a pitch count. Still, with little action, it’s fair to ask whether it might have been wiser to hold him back for another game, especially considering the potential risk associated with overextending a key player recovering from injury.
The Packers didn’t attempt a run until their third drive. Their reluctance to establish a ground presence early in the game had significant implications for their overall offensive strategy. It’s hard to overstate the importance of a consistent running game because it keeps the defense honest. Even when running attempts may be less effective, they force the opposing defense to respect the threat of a rushing attack.
LaFleur inadvertently put more pressure on Love by not running the ball until the third drive. Without the balance of a running threat, defenses become emboldened to apply additional pressure on the young quarterback. That makes it exceedingly difficult to move the football, especially in situations following an incompletion on first down. This tendency often leads opposing defenses to deploy nickel and dime packages in obvious passing situations.
Throughout September, Green Bay’s ground attack has been virtually nonexistent. To keep opposing defenses guessing and spread them out vertically, the Packers could explore alternatives, such as involving their receivers in jet sweeps and end-arounds. This approach not only diversifies their offensive playbook but also opens up opportunities for big gains.
Moreover, Detroit’s pass rush appeared to have a clear path to the quarterback during the game, highlighting the urgency of countermeasures. Quick throws to running backs and tight ends on screens could have effectively neutralized the aggressive pass rush. It would have created a much-needed balance in their offensive strategy and provided Love with quicker, high-percentage passing options to maintain offensive momentum.
Safeguarding Jordan Love transcends the realm of physical protection alone. While offensive line improvements are undoubtedly crucial, LaFleur should not overlook the strategic aspect of play-calling. By simplifying the offensive game plan and affording their young quarterback opportunities for easy completions, LaFleur and the Packers can shield Love from unnecessary pressure and stoke the fires of his confidence. This approach not only protects his physical well-being but also can ignite his performance swiftly, turning the tide in favor of the Packers as they work to nurture their promising quarterback’s growth and potential.
