The Green Bay Packers are holding onto a little bit of hope when it comes to making a push for a playoff spot. At 4-6, their odds aren’t very high, but a victory over the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving in Week 12 would certainly boost those odds.
If the Packers are going to pull off the upset, they are going to need another stellar performance from quarterback Jordan Love. Love’s season has had some ups and downs, which you would expect from a first-time starter. However, in the last few weeks, he is hitting another up.
One of the things that held Love and the Packers’ offense back earlier in the season was his inaccuracy, especially on deep balls. Love was struggling to hit receivers beyond short routes, which limited the team’s production. However, over the last three games, he has found his stride.
“After being 25th in EPA+CPOE composite and success rate over the first eight weeks of the season, Love is 7th in EPA+CPOE and 11th in success rate between weeks 9 and 11. And there is one specific area of the game that has been imperative for Love: deep throws,” wrote Wendell Ferreira of AtoZ Sports.
Love has been attacking deep down the field, as he ranks second in the NFL in average depth of target. When you combine that with the fact that the Packers are 19th in yards after catch, it means that pressure is on Love to create plays with his arm.
He has answered the call, as success has been found regularly on passes 20+ yards down the field. As shared by Ferreira, Love has completed 9-of-15 such throws for 283 yards and three touchdowns.
Having his wide receivers healthy has aided in the improved production as well. Earlier in the season, Christian Watson missed time and Romeo Doubs was banged up. But, with them healthy and joined by excellent rookies Jayden Reed and Dontayvion Wicks, the passing game has gotten going.
Love has been praised by his coaches and teammates for the poise and leadership he has shown throughout the season. It is now translating to production on the field, as the Packers have a chance to sneak into the playoffs if he continues playing at this level.
Want the latest NFL analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click here. Interested in reading storylines and analysis about the NBA? Check out our partner NBA Analysis Network.
