“Temper our expectations” –Matt LaFleur speaks on Aaron Rodgers’ replacement as Packers star inches closer to Jets
Aaron Rodgers' 18-year sojourn with the Green Bay Packers appears to be all but over as the quarterback is reportedly set to join the New York Jets.
Nonetheless, Packers head coach Matt LaFleur has insisted that Rodgers' replacement, Jordan Love, will come good. However, the 43-year-old has emphasized the team's need to temper expectations over the first-round pick.
While speaking to Matt Schneidman of The Athletic on Tuesday, LaFleur said:
“We all have to kind of temper our expectations for him (Love).”
Perhaps LaFluer is urging the Green Bay faithful not to compare Love to the departing Rodgers.
Matt LaFleur on Jordan Love: “We all have to kind of temper our expectations for him.” https://t.co/1om9UuCLtB
Love was picked 26th overall by the Packers in the 2020 NFL draft. However, the 24-year-old has spent most of his career on the Packers' bench, in the shadow of 10-time Pro Bowler Rodgers.
The young quarterback will now have the opportunity to lead the team's offense in the 2023 season. However, it's unlikely that Love will be able to fill the void left by Rodgers in his first season as a starter.
The former Utah State quarterback has featured in 50 games for the Packers but has thrown for a mere 606 yards with three touchdowns and three interceptions. However, Love has shown flashes of brilliance in the past and Green Bay is expected to build its team around the quarterback for next season.
How did Aaron Rodgers fare in the 2022 season?
Aaron Rodgers didn't have the best of seasons in 2022. The 39-year-old finished with 3,695 yards and 26 touchdowns on 350 passes. He also added 94 rushing yards and a touchdown on the ground.
In what seems to be his final campaign with the Green Bay Packers, Rodgers led them to a 8-9 record and a third-place finish in the NFC North.
Regardless of whether Rodgers leaves the Packers this offseason, he will be considered one of the greatest quarterbacks to have played for the team.