What a difference a year makes.
Last May, the Green Bay Packers had no idea what to expect from an offense led by a first-year quarterback. Not to mention that the playmaker was surrounded by wingers and wingers who were mostly rookies or players entering their second season.
Naturally, the defense dominated most of the practices, but Jordan Love and his supporting cast finally started to catch on.
By the end of the season, rookies Jayden Reed and Dontayvion Wicks were legitimate weapons at the team’s disposal. Meanwhile, both rookies Luke Musgrave and Tucker Kraft were starting to become more comfortable in their offensive roles. The Packers finished 11th in offense and not only made the playoffs, but also defeated the second-seeded Dallas Cowboys in the NFC Wild Card round.
A year later, practicing with a more experienced and battle-hardened group is completely different for Love.
“It’s night and day,” Love said. “There were a lot of guys last year, young receivers who are learning the ropes. The timing and chemistry just aren’t there yet. We go out there today and it’s just day and night. The guys know exactly where they will be. We have great chemistry from last year and increased our reps… it’s definitely a big difference.”
During Tuesday’s OTA training it was open to the media, Love went on a rampage during 7-on-7, completing his first six passes and then throwing 60-yard touchdown to Samori Toure.
Of course, players don’t wear pads during OTA practices like they do they try to avoid injury while getting used to the manual. However, it is clear that the atmosphere around the Green Bay team is different. Love has established himself as a recognized leader on and off the field. He’s surrounded by guys who grew up a lot last season and are expected to return to the field in a way they didn’t in 2023.
More on Love below:
