Matt LaFleur, the head coach who led Aaron Rodgers to two NFL MVP awards, recently made a jaw-dropping statement: he thinks current Green Bay starting quarterback Jordan Love is the best he’s been around for pre-snap offensive line protection calls and adjustments. That’s a huge declaration, especially considering Rodgers’ incredible 15 seasons leading the Packers, where he racked up 475 passing touchdowns, four NFL MVPs, and a Super Bowl XLV title. LaFleur even coached Rodgers to consecutive MVPs in 2020 and 2021. Yet, Love still gets the nod for pre-snap wizardry, a surprising take on the legendary QB.
LaFleur’s ‘Uncanny’ Praise is Real
LaFleur didn’t mince words on NFL Network, calling Love’s ability “pretty remarkable.” He stated, “He’s got to be the best I’ve been around in terms of protections and adjustments. Rarely does he get out-schemed.” Imagine that: the coach for Rodgers’ peak seasons now says Love is unmatched here. Even wilder, LaFleur pointed out this wasn’t natural for Love; he learned it by watching Rodgers, which LaFleur called “invaluable.” Love honed his craft observing a legend, and now his coach thinks he’s surpassed him in a key mental aspect of the game. Crazy twist, right?
The 2025 Numbers That Back It Up
It’s not just talk, either. Love’s 2025 numbers as Green Bay’s starter strongly back up LaFleur’s claim. He’s one of only two QBs in the entire league, alongside 2025 NFL MVP Matthew Stafford, to have at least nine wins, 20-plus passing touchdowns, and fewer than 12 interceptions in each of the last three seasons. Talk about consistency! LaFleur’s offense “hums” thanks to Love’s deep-ball accuracy and arm strength, letting him thread passes into tight windows. What’s even more impressive, Love achieved this despite a struggling offensive line in 2025, which allowed a 40.9% quarterback pressure rate,the NFL’s fourth-highest. Yet, Love posted the NFL’s seventh-lowest sack rate at a measly 4.6%. That stat alone screams pre-snap genius, showing he avoids trouble even when protection breaks down. His 2025 ranks are elite: 8th in yards per pass attempt (7.7), 6th in TD-INT (23-6), 6th in passer rating (101.2), and 2nd in Expected Points Added (EPA) per dropback (0.22).
The Rodgers Angle: Scheme Disagreements?
So, why the direct comparison, and why does LaFleur see Love as superior here? The source suggests LaFleur’s “knock” on Rodgers likely stems from disagreements over Green Bay’s offensive scheme during their four seasons together from 2019. It hints Rodgers might not have always been on the same page with LaFleur’s Shanahan-tree system,heavy on under-center formations, zone blocking, play-action, and motion. Love, learning from both, seems to have embraced and mastered the pre-snap demands of this offense in a way Rodgers perhaps didn’t fully, or to LaFleur’s preferred level. This isn’t about diminishing Rodgers’ greatness, but it definitely highlights Love’s unique, and apparently superior, grasp of pre-snap adjustments.
This kind of praise from LaFleur, especially comparing a current QB to a franchise legend, sets a huge tone for the upcoming season. It means the Packers are banking on Love’s mental game as much as his physical tools. If he keeps avoiding sacks at that 2025 pressure rate and maintains those elite passing numbers, Green Bay could be a real problem. Every snap Love takes this year will be under the microscope, with fans watching to see if his pre-snap genius continues to pay off big time.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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