Packers' $220 Million QB Jordan Love Has Untapped Running Potential

After moving on from Aaron Rodgers, the Green Bay Packers knew they had something in Jordan Love. Entering his third year as the team’s starter, Love has one key weapon that he’s yet to fully utilize.

From Josh Jacobs to Jayden Reed, this Packers team has weapons all over the place. Tucker Kraft has emerged as a top target, with Matthew Golden looking to impress. Ultimately though, Love’s greatest weapon is something only he possesses.

Jordan Love’s Greatest Weapon for the Packers is His Ability to Run

Through four seasons, the Packers quarterback has 356 career rushing yards. Love’s last two seasons tell the full story, with 330 of those coming in his last 32 games. Obviously, these last two seasons have seen him as the team’s starter.

Love posted a career high 247 rushing yards in 2023. During his time at Utah State, he never finished a season with higher than 200 yards. His 2017 total was 165, followed by 63 and then 175.

With just 46 carries in 2017, his 3.6 yards per carry surpassed his 2019 total. The Packers QB ran the ball 81 times in his third year of college, only averaging 2.2 yards per carry that season. His 2018 total was a complete outlier, though that’s when he recorded a career high seven rushing touchdowns.

Even though Love had his most rushing yards in 2019, he didn’t have a single touchdown. In the NFL, four of his five rushing touchdowns came in his career 2023 season. After all, that’s the season that earned him $220 million.

Last season, Love was dealing with a few lingering injuries. Knowing how important his health is to the team, he ran the ball half as much as he did the season prior. While he may never be Josh Allen or Lamar Jackson, he still can use his feet to his advantage.

Packers Look to Get Love’s Run Game Back on Track

The Athletic’s Matt Schneidman compared three players to Love: Mac Jones, Mason Rudolph, and Rodgers. Last season, all three had more rushing yards than the Packers quarterback.

It’s hard to believe that 41-year-old Aaron Rodgers had 107 yards on the ground last season. Since 2008, he’s only had one season with under 100 yards (2022 – 94).

Adam Stenavich spoke about Love’s run game, “I think that’s a huge weapon and Jordan has that ability to make some big plays down the field … we encourage that, for sure.”

He said he would “absolutely” like to see Love run more this season. Love commented, “I think every game there was a couple options or instances where I could’ve took off and run.”

The Packers QB continued, “I think early on, some of it was with the injury, just not wanting to get out and do as much, but I think even later in the season, there was a lot of opportunities for me. You look back and you’re like, ‘Man I could’ve took off and run’.”

Matt LaFleur has confirmed that Love will receive some reps in the team’s preseason opener. With the New York Jets coming to town, it’ll be interesting to see if the 26-year-old uses his legs or not.