The path to the field for Jordan Love became a little less obscured on Friday when the Green Bay Packers made the decision not to issue a tender to quarterback Tim Boyle.
Boyle, one of the team’s restricted free agents, spent the last two seasons as the primary backup behind Aaron Rodgers. Though, they were never faced with a scenario where they had to turn to Boyle extensively thanks to Rodgers’ good health and the 26-6 regular-season record in Matt LaFleur’s first two seasons as the Packers’ head coach.
They did, however, allow him the opportunity to attempt four passes in 2019 during a blowout loss to the San Francisco 49ers and add 18 “rushing” attempts under his belt -- they were all kneel-downs.
There’s the likelihood -- albeit a far-fetched concept at this point -- that the Packers bring Boyle back to the roster in unrestricted free agency once the market officially opens next week at the start of the new league year. If that were to happen, and again, given the team’s salary-cap bind, it’s unlikely, he would have a competition on his hands for the backup job.
Enter Love.
When the Packers packaged a first and fourth-round selection to move up and land Utah State’s Love last spring, the writing was on the wall for Rodgers and co. that he was either the arm of the future or insurance behind the future Hall-of-Fame signal-caller.
The latter isn’t as far-fetched as the earlier circumstances featuring Boyle: Rodgers had dealt with some kind of ailment -- either during or after the season -- in five of the previous seven years leading up to the selection of Love. For all anyone knows, it may have just been a maneuver meant to solidify the position behind Rodgers.
No matter the intention, Love -- who was a healthy scratch for all 18 regular-season and postseason contests as a rookie -- has a clear avenue ahead of him as the Packers’ second-string quarterback. He could also be entering an in-person offseason program -- something he didn’t have the luxury of a year ago around this time due to the surging COVID-19 pandemic -- and a summer slate that may very well feature preseason games.
It’s practice time and time with his coaches that he could certainly use to his benefit.
“I think it’s very important for Jordan to get as many live reps as possible,” said general manager Brian Gutekunst earlier this month. “And that’s not just him, but all young players -- specifically quarterbacks. If that does transpire where we get to the three preseason games, I think prior to last year, I would’ve told you that wasn’t going to concern me as much. But after going through a season without preseason games, I realize how valuable and important they are.”
The Packers could always end up adding to the room behind Rodgers and Love, whether it be via free agency or even in the later rounds of the draft. But if he isn’t able to secure the backup slot despite finally having the prior circumstances finally align in his favor and the opportunity to showcase his talents against live defenses, it’d have to be something of a disappointment.
“With Jordan specifically, yeah, it was disappointing we weren’t able to get him out there in the preseason this year. … The more the better; guys get better through playing. Practice is always important, but the live-game reps for all players is something you can’t replace.”
And with Rodgers, who just turned 36 years old in December, coming off of a campaign in which he secured his third career MVP award, the Packers are going to be presented with an intriguing decision to make.
A significant portion of that decision is going to stem from how well Love performs -- training camp, exhibition or meaningful reps in the regular season. The Packers are going to have enough of an idea to determine whether or not Love is someone they want to invest -- or mortgage, depending on your perception of the matter -- their future for.
Replacing someone like Rodgers is no small feat either -- but the Packers have to allow Love to start somewhere. With Boyle out of the picture, it could very well be sooner rather than later.
“It’s going to be a challenge for him,” said offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, seemingly reciprocating Gutekunst’s feelings. “Obviously we don’t know what’s going to happen right now with how we’re going to be able to work with the players. I think -- always -- being in the system for a second year is huge for the quarterback. Understanding the language, understanding how we go about our everyday process.”
"love" - Google News
March 13, 2021 at 11:37AM
https://ift.tt/2PQYT9o
Tim Boyle's departure paves a clear path for Jordan Love - 247Sports
"love" - Google News
https://ift.tt/39HfQIT
Shoes Man Tutorial
Pos News Update
Meme Update
Korean Entertainment News
Japan News Update
Bagikan Berita Ini
0 Response to "Tim Boyle's departure paves a clear path for Jordan Love - 247Sports"
Post a Comment