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The Packers negotiated with Jordan Love’s draft at 26th overall last spring, apparently to be the defender of the future.
But in 2020, Love was nowhere near seeing the field. He was inactive as the third quarterback for the entire season, with Tim Boyle serving as a reserve for Aaron Rodgers.
With little practice time and no preseason games in the summer of 2020, Love did not have the kind of experience he would have in a typical year. This made General Manager Brian Gutekunst appreciate what should have been a more normal training camp and preseason in 2021.
But there is also a very good chance that the NFL will play a regular 17-week season and a three-week preseason this year. Unless something drastic happens, it would mean one less game for Love.
“I think it’s very important for Jordan to get as many live reps as possible [as possible] – and this is not just him, but all the young players, specifically the quarterbacks, ”said Gutekunst during his press conference on Tuesday. “If that happens when we get to the three pre-season games, I think that before last year, I would have said that it wouldn’t worry me so much. But after going through a season with no preseason games, I realize how valuable and important they are.
“With Jordan specifically, yes, it was disappointing that we were unable to get him out of pre-season this year. Looking forward to it this year. The more the better. Guys are better at playing. Practice is always important, but replaying the live game for all players is something you cannot replace. “
It is still unclear what the offseason program will look like in 2021. But with practice time and pre-season games, the Packers are clearly waiting for Love to step forward. And with Boyle as a free agent, Love should be able to step into the reserve role next season.