This Saturday’s Divisional Round playoff game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Green Bay Packers will be the first meeting between the young, developing quarterbacks Brock Purdy and Jordan Love.
In 2023, Love, a first-year starter for the Packers, completed 64.2% of his throws for 4,159 yards, 32 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. He came into his own in the second half of the season, helping Green Bay win six of their final eight games and secure a postseason berth.
Love, who was selected with the 26th overall choice in the 2020 NFL Draft, patiently awaited his turn behind legendary Packers player Aaron Rodgers, who was sold to the New York Jets for draft capital during the offseason.
Although Love and Rodgers have similar playing styles and mannerisms—which are occasionally evident in Love’s release and footwork—other elements set Love and Rodgers distinct from one another.
One 49er even thinks that the Packers would gain more from a significant distinction between Love and Rodgers: playing within the structure.
Rodgers frequently veered from the plan to generate opportunities because he tended to make plays. Love has also performed well this season while operating under Matt LaFleur’s system, which has contributed to the Packers’ success in the second half of the season.
Defensive end Nick Bosa dissected the Packers and noted their progress while highlighting the crucial distinction between Love and Rodgers, which he thinks could work to Green Bay’s advantage.
Speaking to reporters through KNBR, Bosa stated, “The entire team has improved throughout the entire season.” They’ve helped many guys regain their health. Many of the players from their previous successful teams are still there. Their quarterback performs precisely as instructed by his coach. Although Aaron Rodgers is a wonderful Hall of Famer, he somewhat strayed from coaching, and occasionally it’s beneficial to have a player that performs as instructed.
Though LaFleur and head coach Kyle Shanahan operate similar schemes, they will see an offense identical to the one they see every practice, excluding Green Bay’s RPO moves. This will be their first encounter with Love outside of a preseason environment.
The 49ers are favored by 9.5 points going into the game on Saturday, but with Green Bay’s offensive prowess and defensive shortcomings, the score may end up being higher.
The 49ers’ strongest chance to win will be to contain Jordan Love and the youthful Packers offense, but considering the primary distinction between him and his predecessor, this might require a different strategy than in previous meetings with Green Bay.
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