Packers’ Matt LaFleur on how Jordan Love will fare in first year as starter: We must ‘temper our expectations’

Jordan Love will likely be the starting quarterback for the Green Bay Packers next season, after Aaron Rodgers said he intends to play for the New York Jets in 2023. This would mark the first time the team doesn’t have Rodgers as its starter since 2007, when Brett Favre was quarterback.

Rodgers has made his mark at Lambeau Field, winning a Super Bowl and breaking records, leaving big shoes to fill for Love.

Head coach Matt LaFleur says if it does end up with Love being the starter next season, he wants to manage expectations for the 24-year-old.

“[Rodgers’ possible trade] is what it is, and at the same time, we’re excited about Jordan and how he’s been able to progress as a quarterback, how he’s matured as a man,” LaFleur said (via NFL.com). “It’s going to be a different role for him, certainly, and I think we all have to kind of temper our expectations for him. It’s different when you’re going into a game versus when you’re starting a game. It’s going to be a process, but it’s gonna be exciting for him, for us.”

Love was drafted in 2020 with the No. 26 overall pick, surprising many with how early he was chosen given Rodgers’ level of play. In the years since, the relationship between Rodgers and the Packers has taken a toll. Offseason comments from both parties make it clear that Rodgers wants to be elsewhere and the Packers are ready to enter into a new era with Love.

The former first rounder has not seen much playing time. He didn’t play in any games in 2020, then in 2021 he played in six games, starting one. Last season he made an appearance in four games, with no starts. Love is 50-for-83 with a 60.2 completion percentage in his NFL career, with three touchdowns, three…