Former Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers enjoyed watching his predecessor have a “masterclass” performance against the Chicago Bears to clinch a playoff spot. In a win-and-in scenario, Jordan Love had one of the best games of his career, completing 27 out of 32 passes for 316 yards and tossing a pair of touchdowns to lead Green Bay in a 17-9 victory over Chicago.
“He played great. He took care of the football and made a lot of plays. Now they’re in the playoffs,” Rodgers said during his Tuesday appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show.”
"That was a masterclass by Jordan Love against the Bears and he played great..
Big Mike going up against the Packers in Dallas is a great storyline" @AaronRodgers12 #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/eVnsaGZ8Z6
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) January 9, 2024
Leading up to the big game, Love told Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated that he received a text from Rodgers telling him to “Go beat the Bears.”
On the biggest stage of his career, Love delivered. And he did it against the franchise Rodgers had complete ownership over in his 15 seasons as Green Bay’s starter. Rodgers carries an astounding 24-5 record against Chicago, including a passer rating of 109.0 with 6,965 yards, 64 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions.
Love has a way to go to top those numbers, but he is off to a promising start. In two games against the Bears, he is 2-0 with a 129.3 passer rating, 561 yards, five touchdowns, and zero interceptions.
Of course, this season has been about determining whether Love can be the franchise quarterback. Now it is safe to say those questions have been answered.
However, there was a point in the year when Love was struggling, and many wondered whether the Packers had made the right decision. Rodgers hasn’t heard much from those critics lately.
“Where is all the criticism,” Rodgers asked. “A little bit quiet, isn’t it? A lot of s–t talking was going on — a little quiet now. I don’t know if (Love) used any of that for motivation but it’s always fun to quiet those people. I’m proud of him. He’s a great kid, and he’s had a nice season.”
Following a Week 8 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, Green Bay was sitting at 2-5, and the outlook of the season was grim. But over the final ten games, Love went on an incredible stretch to help propel his team to seven wins.
Love ended up finishing second in the NFL in passing touchdowns with 32. He also had more yards, completions, and fewer interceptions than Rodgers did when he took over as the starter in 2008.
Love also led his team to the postseason, something Rodgers failed to do in his first season at the helm. It’s certainly been a memorable season for Love and the Packers, but it isn’t over yet. On Sunday, they will travel to face the Dallas Cowboys in the NFC Wildcard Round.
