The Green Bay Packers had a season that was both promising and disappointing. Although they made the playoffs, they struggled in their division, finishing 1-5 and losing twice to the eventual Super Bowl champions, the Philadelphia Eagles. Despite their competitive play, they couldn’t manage to win key games when it mattered most.
A significant topic of discussion was the performance of second-year quarterback Jordan Love. His play dipped from his previous year, leading some to question the wisdom of the Packers giving him a large extension. However, ESPN analyst Benjamin Solak offered a different perspective, making a bold prediction about Love’s future.
In a recent article, ESPN asked its analysts who they thought would be next season’s MVP. While many analysts picked quarterbacks like Joe Burrow, Lamar Jackson, or Josh Allen, Solak stood out by selecting Jordan Love. He explained that the Packers could push for a division title with Love playing at a high level and benefitting from a third-place schedule.
Solak’s reasoning centered on the idea that the Detroit Lions’ impressive 15-2 record from last season would be hard to replicate, especially with changes to their coaching staff. He also highlighted the fact that the Packers, having finished third in the division, would face an easier schedule, potentially giving them a better chance to challenge for the division crown.
Despite a disappointing season, the Packers did have some positives. First-year defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley helped turn the defense into a solid unit, even with injuries to key players. As for Love, there were several factors outside his control that affected his performance.
One issue was the Packers’ shift to a more run-heavy offense, especially with the addition of Josh Jacobs. This limited Love’s opportunities to throw the ball in several games. Additionally, Love dealt with a knee injury that caused him to miss two games and limited his accuracy when he did play.
Another problem was the performance of Love’s receiving corps. Several of his receivers, including Jayden Reed, Dontayvion Wicks, and Romeo Doubs, were among the league leaders in dropped passes. A significant number of drops (25 in total) hurt Love’s stats, and if more of those passes had been caught, his numbers would have looked much better.
In his conclusion, Solak not only predicted Jordan Love would be a contender for MVP but also believed the Packers could make the Super Bowl next season. While he sees them falling short to the Baltimore Ravens in the big game, Solak is optimistic about the Packers’ future, pointing to their cap space and recent strong drafts as key factors for potential success in 2025.
