Playing With Something To Prove

I’m not sure if any of you heard, but the Green Bay Packers drafted a quarterback in the first round this year.

In desperate need of some pass-catching help for Aaron Rodgers, the Packers placed the faith firmly on the shoulders of Devin Funchess and some other lower-profile receivers and brought in a little depth for the quarterback room with the addition of Utah State’s Jordan Love. 

Love is largely seen as a developmental prospect who needs some time to grow, but at the very least adding Love to the roster will spark a little added attention to the Packers quarterback position, and that very most, it might even mark the beginning of a competition for the QB1 spot. Either way, bringing an heir apparent into the locker room might be what Rodgers needs to revitalize his career to elite form.

Rodgers’ greatest seasons as a pro have come with his back to the wall, trying to prove himself as the most valuable asset in the league. His 2011 MVP season came in just his fourth year as a starter, trying to separate himself from Brett Favre’s shadow by bringing a Super Bowl to Green Bay. 

His 2016 Pro Bowl year came after a 4-6 start to the season, one where the team wasn’t getting much help at all from their 21st ranked scored defense. Rodgers managed to bring his team back from the dead that year, throwing 40 touchdowns to seven picks, winning his last six games and leading the Packers to the NFC Championship.

Now, Rodgers won’t just be looking to prove his worth to himself or the Packers fanbase, he’ll be looking to show his own team that he’s still got some ‘Vintage Rodgers’ left in him. One of the most competitive, oftentimes vengeful quarterbacks in the league, Rodgers is sure to take choosing Love in the draft as a slight.

And now that the fire is back, it might lead to another magical season for the Packers’ legend.